http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/bacteria/ Learn all about bacteria. From the latest research on bacterial infections to using bacteria as biofuel, read all the science news here. Photos. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/bacteria/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142125.htm A researcher has developed thin films of silver and copper that can kill bacteria and may one day help to cut down on hospital infections. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171654.htm A plant pathology scientist was researching the molecular basis of bacterial diseases of rice when he discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances." Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174347.htm A recently devised method of imaging the chemical communication and warfare between microorganisms could lead to new antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174343.htm Bioengineers have made a breakthrough development that will now allow scientists to perform full delineation of the location and use of genomic elements. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121338.htm Evolutionary biologists argue in a new article that high cooperation and low conflict between components, from the genetic level on up, give a living thing its "organismality," whether that thing is an animal, a plant, a bacteria or a colony. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091108131436.htm Using imaging mass spectrometry, researchers have developed tools that will enable scientists to visualize how different cell populations of cells communicate. Their study shows how bacteria talk to one another -- an understanding that may lead to new therapeutic discoveries for diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes and allergies. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091108131436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132658.htm Organisms ensure the survival of their species by genetically adapting to the environment. If environmental conditions change too rapidly, the extinction of a species may be the consequence. A strategy to successfully cope with such a challenge is the generation of variable offspring that can survive in different environments. For the first time scientists have now observed the evolution of such a strategy under lab conditions in an experiment with the bacterial species Pseudomonas fluorescens. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143725.htm Scientists have developed the first atlas of bacterial diversity across the human body, charting wide variations in microbe populations that live in different regions of the human body and which aid us in physiological functions that contribute to our health. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145254.htm Plasmids, which are DNA molecules capable of independent replication in cells, have played an important role in gene technology. Researchers have now demonstrated that plasmid-based methods, which had been limited to single-cell organisms such as bacteria and yeasts, can be extended to mosses, opening the door to applications of a number of powerful techniques in plant research. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106095642.htm Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide. During a summit held this week in Washington, D.C., President Obama and Prime Minister Reinfeldt joined forces to address the urgency of the problem and the need for solutions by signing an international agreement that seeks cooperative ways in which the United States and EU countries can help combat the global health crisis. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106095642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143720.htm Unwrapping some of the mystery from how plants and bacteria communicate to trigger an innate immune response, scientists have identified the bacterial signaling molecule that matches up with a specific receptor in rice plants to ward off a devastating disease known as bacterial blight of rice. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171726.htm A major conclusion of the work is that for some organisms, possibly including humans, continued evolution will not translate into ever-increasing fitness. Moreover, a population may accrue mutations at a constant rate --- a pattern long considered the hallmark of "neutral" or non-Darwinian evolution --- even when the mutations experience Darwinian selection. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085832.htm Bacteria that cause chronic lung infections can communicate with each other to form a deadly shield against the body's natural defenses. Studying these interactions could lead to new ways of treating bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111847.htm Leprosy still affects hundreds of thousands of people today throughout the entire world. An international team has traced the history of the disease from ancient Egypt to today and in doing so has made a public health study essential for combating the disease. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095519.htm Scientist have constructed for the first time a synthetic cellulosome in yeast, which could make the production of bioethanol from biomass more efficient and economical. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112102.htm Like savvy Wall Street money managers, bacteria hedge their bets to increase their chances of survival in uncertain times, strategically investing their biological resources to weather unpredictable environments. In a new study, researchers describe how bacteria play the market so well. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114025.htm Scientists are reporting results of one of the first studies on the release of silver nanoparticles from laundering those anti-odor, anti-bacterial socks now on the market. Their findings may suggest ways that manufacturers and consumers can minimize the release of these particles to the environment, where they could harm fish and other wildlife. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152938.htm Genetically modified squash plants that are resistant to a debilitating viral disease become more vulnerable to a fatal bacterial infection, according to biologists. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160106.htm Bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. This is one of the unexpected findings that may affect how we rely on indicator bacteria to determine if water is contaminated with bacteria that can make people sick. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142235.htm Insoluble dietary fiber, or roughage, not only keeps you regular, say scientists, it also plays a vital role in the immune system, keeping certain diseases at bay. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026132937.htm Researchers have found that a sometimes deadly stomach bug, Clostridium difficile, is on the rise in outpatient settings. Clostridium difficile is a serious bacteria that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026132937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152810.htm Globalization and industrialization are causing diseases to spread from humans to animals, a study has shown. Researchers have shown that a strain of bacteria has jumped from humans to chickens. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm The Mediterranean fruit fly is a world plague which represents one of the most serious problems for agriculture. However, the control methods currently present in the market for this plague are ineffective. Scientists have now isolated and identified bacteria that is extremely toxic for Mediterranean fruit fly larvae. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022102338.htm A NASA chemist has developed a technology intended to rapidly assess any presence of microbial life on spacecraft. This new method may also help the military test for disease-causing bacteria, such as a causative agent for anthrax, and may also be useful in the medical, pharmaceutical and other fields. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022102338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225811.htm Researchers have discovered the first RNA repair system to be discovered in bacteria. The novelty of the newly discovered bacterial RNA repair system is that, before the damaged RNA is sealed, a methyl group is added to the two-prime hydroxyl group at the cleavage site of the damaged RNA, making it impossible to cleave the site again. Thus, the repaired RNA is "better than new." Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115153.htm Healthy eating, not supplements, is the best way to keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy, says a dietitian and researcher. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134448.htm New technology has given scientists the first look ever at RNA in a live bacteria cell -- a sight that could offer new information about how the molecule moves and works. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162334.htm Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the genomes of two important laboratory strains of E. coli bacteria, one used to study evolution and the other to produce proteins for basic research or practical applications. The findings will help guide future research and will also open a window to a deeper understanding of classical research that is the foundation of our understanding of basic molecular biology and genetics. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm Mercury's persistent and toxic presence in the environment has flummoxed scientists for years in the quest to find ways to mitigate the dangers posed by the buildup of its most toxic form, methylmercury. A new discovery, however, has shed new light on one of nature's best mercury fighters: bacteria. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151437.htm Viruses of soil bacteria (phages) evolve to improve their ability to infect the bacterial hosts that surround them. This is shown in a new study. Phages appear to be better able to infect bacteria from the same small soil sample than bacteria from just a few centimeters away. Evolution can therefore restructure ecosystems on a very small scale. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151320.htm The virus Cervid Herpesvirus 2 has now for the first time been isolated in Norway. Studies demonstrate it is involved in an ocular disease in reindeer and may also have abortogenic potential. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) can be found all over the circumpolar arctic regions with a total number of animals of more than five million. In Norway there were more than 240.000 animals in 2007, of which more than 70% inhabit the county of Finnmark (northern most region of mainland Norway), where reindeer herding continues to represent an important economical and cultural activity for the local indigenous communities. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141716.htm A 21-year experiment that distills the essence of evolution in laboratory flasks not only demonstrates natural selection at work, but could lead to biotechnology and medical research advances, researchers say. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123544.htm Out of the trillions of "friendly" bacteria -- representing hundreds of species -- that make our intestines their home, new evidence in mice suggests that it may be a very select few that shape our immune responses. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015141512.htm Even as research on the ribosome, one of the cell's most basic machines, is recognized with a Nobel Prize, scientists continue to achieve new insights on the way ribosomes work. For the first time, scientists have a detailed picture of the ribosome trapped together with elongation factor G (EF-G), one of the enzymes that nudges the assembly line to move forward. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015141512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094039.htm For the first time, researchers have looked at the need for every gene in a bacterial cell in just one experiment. They showed that Salmonella Typhi -- which every year infects 22 million people and causes 220,000 deaths -- needs only 356 genes for survival: 4162 genes are not essential. The method, which harnesses next-generation sequencing technologies, will aid the search for weaknesses in bacterial armories, allowing researchers to seek treatments to target those genes. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094047.htm Researchers have identified an unexpected metabolic ability within a symbiotic community of microorganisms that may help solve a lingering mystery about the world's nitrogen cycling budget. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911205127.htm Salmonella bacteria are cunning when it comes to triggering diarrhea in their host. Researchers have succeeded in explaining a molecular mechanism that enables the bacteria to activate their host cell's non-specific immune response, thus making the host ill. A single virulence factor is sufficient to allow the bacteria to trigger disease. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911205127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015091600.htm Veterinary scientists have made a discovery that promises to deliver a new approach to fast development of cheap vaccines that are effective in all mammals -- not just humans or another particular species. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015091600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012095701.htm Researchers have taken high tech gas sensors normally used to test components for premium cars and applied the same techniques to human blood, human urine, and even cow dung samples from local cow pats. The results could lead to a new high tech medical tool that could provide a fast diagnosis for some of the most difficult gastrointestinal illnesses and metabolic diseases. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012095701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009090429.htm Scientists have found that the human liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) contributes to the development of bile duct (liver) cancer by secreting granulin, a growth hormone that is known to cause uncontrolled growth of cells. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009090429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204015.htm Infectious diseases currently cause about one-third of all human deaths worldwide, more than all forms of cancer combined. Advances in cell biology and microbial genetics have greatly enhanced understanding of the cause and mechanisms of infectious diseases. Researchers have now found a way in which intracellular pathogens exploit the biological attributes of their hosts in order to escape destruction. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007103034.htm Australian scientists have found that the bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans catalyzes the biomineralization of gold by transforming toxic gold compounds to their metallic form using active cellular mechanism. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007103034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006135239.htm Tests show good results for a new vaccine against horse strangle disease. In time this may also lead to new vaccines against human diseases. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006135239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191349.htm A bacterium possibly linked to Crohn's disease could be lurking in wild animals. According to new research, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, can be transmitted between wildlife and domestic ruminants, supporting the theory of wildlife reservoirs of infection. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081536.htm The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2009 jointly to Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Thomas A. Steitz, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; and Ada E. Yonath, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, "for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome". Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141142.htm As scientists work toward making genetically altered bacteria create living "circuits" to produce a myriad of useful proteins and chemicals, they have logically assumed that the single-celled organisms would always respond to an external command in the same way. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094730.htm Functional food is the food industry's fastest-growing product group, its leading products including dairy products which contain probiotics, that is, bacteria promoting health. Valio's Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®) is the most frequently studied and used probiotic. Scientists have now determined the genome sequences of LGG and a bacterium closely related to it. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094730.htm