https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/foodborne_illness/ Latest research news on foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Norovirus and more. en-us Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:20:59 EDT Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:20:59 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/foodborne_illness/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192907.htm A surprising new study reveals that what you eat could play a powerful role in fighting cholera, a deadly diarrheal disease. Researchers found that diets rich in certain proteins—especially casein from dairy and wheat gluten—can dramatically reduce the ability of cholera bacteria to take hold in the gut, in some cases cutting infection levels by up to 100 times. These proteins appear to disable a key “weapon” the bacteria use to attack other microbes and dominate the gut environment. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:22:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003949.htm Scientists have identified a potential new weapon against hepatitis E, a virus with no approved treatment and tens of thousands of deaths each year. The drug bemnifosbuvir, currently in trials for hepatitis C, was found to block the virus from replicating by disrupting its genetic machinery. Tests in cells and animals showed strong effectiveness without harming healthy tissue. If ongoing trials succeed, the drug could soon be repurposed for hepatitis E. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003949.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402000221.htm A deadly parasite responsible for sleeping sickness has been found using a surprisingly precise trick to stay hidden in the human bloodstream. Scientists discovered a protein called ESB2 that acts like a “molecular shredder,” cutting up specific genetic instructions as they are produced. This allows the parasite to flood its surface with protective proteins while suppressing other signals that might give it away. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:31:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402000221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012638.htm Antibiotics are accumulating in a major Brazilian river, especially during the dry season when pollution becomes more concentrated. Scientists even detected a banned drug inside fish sold for food, raising concerns about human exposure. A common aquatic plant showed promise in removing these chemicals from water—but it also altered how fish absorb them, creating unexpected risks. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:48:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321004445.htm Scientists have engineered probiotic bacteria to act as tumor-seeking drug factories. In mice, these bacteria infiltrated tumors and produced a cancer-fighting drug right where it was needed. This targeted approach could make treatments more effective and reduce side effects. More research is needed before it can be tested in people. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:26:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321004445.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm Malaria parasites contain tiny spinning crystals that have puzzled scientists for years. New research reveals they’re powered by a rocket-like reaction that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, releasing energy. This motion may help the parasite detoxify harmful chemicals and manage iron more efficiently. The discovery could lead to new drugs and spark innovations in microscopic robotics. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:19:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004403.htm Scientists at MIT have discovered that a little-known protein called intelectin-2 plays a powerful double role in defending the gut. The protein strengthens the mucus layer that lines the gastrointestinal tract while also trapping and disabling harmful bacteria that try to break through. By binding to sugars on both mucus molecules and bacterial surfaces, intelectin-2 forms a protective barrier and can even destroy microbes, including some that resist antibiotics. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:05:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004403.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004824.htm A newly developed antibiotic called EVG7 could offer a powerful new way to stop Clostridioides difficile, a dangerous gut bacterium that often returns after treatment. In mouse studies, researchers found that even a very small dose of EVG7 was highly effective at clearing the infection and preventing it from coming back. Unlike many current antibiotics, which wipe out large portions of the gut microbiome, EVG7 appears to spare beneficial bacteria that naturally help keep C. difficile in check. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:19:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004824.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224232.htm A mysterious form of plague that spread across Eurasia thousands of years before the Black Death has finally revealed a crucial clue. Scientists analyzing ancient DNA discovered the bacterium Yersinia pestis in a 4,000-year-old domesticated sheep from a Bronze Age settlement in the Ural Mountains—the first time the pathogen has ever been found in a non-human host from that era. Because this early strain couldn’t spread through fleas like the medieval plague, researchers have long puzzled over how it traveled so widely. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:41:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224232.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184221.htm Scientists have uncovered a crucial weakness in the malaria parasite that could open the door to new treatments. Researchers identified a protein called Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) that acts like a traffic controller during the parasite’s unusual cell division process, ensuring its genetic material is properly separated as it multiplies. When scientists switched off ARK1 in laboratory experiments, the parasite could no longer replicate correctly and failed to complete its life cycle in both humans and mosquitoes—effectively halting its ability to spread. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:03:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005756.htm Researchers investigating crops grown in soil contaminated by the 2015 mining disaster in Brazil discovered that toxic metals are moving from the earth into edible plants. Bananas, cassava, and cocoa were found to absorb elements like lead and cadmium, with bananas showing a potential health risk for children under six. Although adults face lower immediate danger, scientists warn that long-term exposure could carry cumulative health consequences. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:07:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005756.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225602.htm A parasite that may already be hiding in your brain has a shocking survival trick: it can infect the very immune cells sent to destroy it. Yet most people never get sick, and new research from UVA Health reveals why. Scientists discovered that when Toxoplasma gondii invades CD8+ T cells — key defenders of the immune system — those cells can trigger a self-destruct mechanism powered by an enzyme called caspase-8. By sacrificing themselves, the infected cells also wipe out the parasite inside them. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:33:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084131.htm Researchers in Bangladesh have identified a bat-borne virus, Pteropine orthoreovirus, in patients who were initially suspected of having Nipah virus but tested negative. All had recently consumed raw date-palm sap, a known pathway for bat-related infections. Genetic analysis confirmed live virus in several samples, pointing to active human infection. The finding raises concerns that dangerous bat viruses may be circulating undetected alongside Nipah. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 01:46:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084131.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112124.htm A common parasite long thought to lie dormant is actually much more active and complex. Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii cysts contain multiple parasite subtypes, not just one sleeping form. Some are primed to reactivate and cause disease, which helps explain why infections are so hard to treat. The discovery could reshape efforts to develop drugs that finally eliminate the parasite for good. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:11:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112124.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260124003856.htm Scientists are warning that a little-known group of microbes called free-living amoebae may pose a growing global health threat. Found in soil and water, some species can survive extreme heat, chlorine, and even modern water systems—conditions that kill most germs. One infamous example, the “brain-eating amoeba,” can cause deadly infections after contaminated water enters the nose. Even more concerning, these amoebae can act as hiding places for dangerous bacteria and viruses, helping them evade disinfection and spread. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:07:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260124003856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260122074031.htm In Guatemala’s Western Highlands, researchers found that the drinking water people trust most may actually be the riskiest. Bottled water from refillable jugs—seen as the safest choice—was frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria, while protected municipal wells were the cleanest. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:53:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260122074031.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015646.htm Scientists have uncovered new clues about why diabetic foot infections can become so severe and difficult to treat. By analyzing the DNA of E. coli bacteria taken from infected wounds around the world, researchers found an unexpected level of diversity, with many strains carrying genes linked to antibiotic resistance and aggressive disease. Rather than a single dangerous strain, multiple types of E. coli appear able to thrive in diabetic foot ulcers, helping explain why infections can worsen quickly and sometimes lead to amputation. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:02:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118115058.htm While social media continues to circulate claims linking acetaminophen to autism in children, medical experts say those fears distract from a far more serious and proven danger: overdose. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol and many cold and flu remedies, is one of the leading causes of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and acute liver failure in the United States. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:03:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118115058.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064637.htm When scientists sent bacteria-infecting viruses to the International Space Station, the microbes did not behave the same way they do on Earth. In microgravity, infections still occurred, but both viruses and bacteria evolved differently over time. Genetic changes emerged that altered how viruses attach to bacteria and how bacteria defend themselves. The findings could help improve phage therapies against drug-resistant infections. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:54:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064637.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112211455.htm Some antibiotics stop bacteria from growing without actually killing them, allowing infections to return later. Scientists at the University of Basel created a new test that tracks individual bacteria to see which drugs truly eliminate them. When tested on tuberculosis and other serious lung infections, the method revealed big differences in how bacteria tolerate treatment. The findings could lead to more precise therapies and better predictions of treatment success. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:33:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112211455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092015.htm Northwestern scientists have created the fastest-ever hepatitis C diagnostic, delivering accurate results in only 15 minutes. The test uses the DASH rapid PCR system, originally developed for COVID, but adapted for whole blood samples. Independent testing showed 100% agreement with existing commercial platforms. Its speed could transform how quickly patients begin treatment. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:36:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092015.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031338.htm Garlic extract is emerging as a surprisingly powerful contender to chlorhexidine, the long-standing “gold standard” in antimicrobial mouthwashes. A systematic review of clinical studies shows that higher-concentration garlic mouthwash can rival chlorhexidine in killing bacteria—sometimes outperforming it—while offering a more natural alternative. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:16:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031338.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205503.htm Dolichospermum, a type of cyanobacteria thriving in Lake Erie’s warming waters, has been identified as the surprising culprit behind the lake’s dangerous saxitoxins—some of the most potent natural neurotoxins known. Using advanced genome sequencing, researchers uncovered that only certain strains produce the toxin, and that warmer temperatures and low ammonium levels may tip the ecological balance in their favor. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:18:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm Researchers discovered why bird flu can survive temperatures that stop human flu in its tracks. A key gene, PB1, gives avian viruses the ability to replicate even at fever-level heat. Mice experiments confirmed that fever cripples human-origin flu but not avian strains, especially those with avian-like PB1. These findings highlight how gene swapping could fuel future pandemics. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:37:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm Scientists are uncovering how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy act on brain regions that control hunger, nausea, pleasure-based eating, and thirst. These discoveries may help create treatments that keep the benefits of weight loss while reducing unwanted side effects. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:48:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095635.htm Scientists mapped the Bas63 bacteriophage in unprecedented detail, uncovering how its tail machinery infects bacteria. The structure reveals rare whisker-collar features and distant evolutionary ties reaching back billions of years. These insights could guide new phage therapies and innovations in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:32:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094136.htm Researchers have, for the first time, estimated how quickly E. coli bacteria can spread between people — and one strain moves as fast as swine flu. Using genomic data from the UK and Norway, scientists modeled bacterial transmission rates and discovered key differences between strains. Their work offers a new way to monitor and control antibiotic-resistant bacteria in both communities and hospitals. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:25:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094136.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205009.htm Penn State scientists uncovered an ancient bacterial defense where dormant viral DNA helps bacteria fight new viral threats. The enzyme PinQ flips bacterial genes to create protective proteins that block infection. Understanding this mechanism could lead to breakthroughs in antivirals, antibiotic alternatives, and industrial microbiology. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:05:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029100156.htm Flatworms can rebuild themselves from just a small fragment, and now scientists know why. Their stem cells ignore nearby instructions and respond to long-distance signals from other tissues. This discovery turns old stem cell theories upside down and could lead to new ways to repair or regrow human tissue. It also reveals a hidden complexity in one of nature’s simplest creatures. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:01:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029100156.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029002855.htm A team of scientists discovered a hidden antibiotic 100 times stronger than existing drugs against deadly superbugs like MRSA. The molecule had been overlooked for decades in a familiar bacterium. It shows no signs of resistance so far, offering hope in the fight against drug-resistant infections and paving the way for new approaches to antibiotic discovery. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:42:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029002855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021727.htm Researchers have uncovered microbial evidence in the remains of Napoleon’s soldiers from the 1812 Russian retreat. Genetic analysis revealed pathogens behind paratyphoid and relapsing fever, diseases likely contributing to the army’s massive losses. Using advanced DNA sequencing, the team pieced together centuries-old infection clues, connecting historical accounts with modern science. Their work redefines our understanding of how disease shaped history’s most infamous retreat. Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:36:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021727.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:31:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm Finasteride, a common hair-loss drug, has long been tied to depression and suicide, but regulators ignored the warnings. Prof. Mayer Brezis’s review exposes global data showing psychiatric harm and a pattern of inaction by Merck and the FDA. Despite its cosmetic use, the drug’s effects on brain chemistry can be devastating. Brezis calls for urgent regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies to protect public health. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:48:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051122.htm Researchers have enhanced vinegar’s antibacterial properties by infusing it with cobalt-based carbon nanoparticles. This nano-boosted solution kills harmful bacteria from both inside and outside their cells while remaining safe for humans. Tests on mice showed it healed infected wounds effectively. The discovery could be a breakthrough against antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide. Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:11:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092913.htm The STEP UP trials revealed that a 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide led to greater weight loss than the currently approved 2.4 mg dose. Nearly half of participants lost 20% or more of their body weight, while also improving metabolic health. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary. Researchers say this could reshape obesity treatment if confirmed in longer-term studies. Sat, 04 Oct 2025 23:27:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054923.htm Morning sickness isn’t just random misery—it’s a biological defense system shaped by evolution to protect the fetus. By linking immune responses to nausea and food aversions, UCLA researchers show these symptoms are signs of a healthy pregnancy. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:50:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054923.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054907.htm Researchers have revealed how polymyxins, crucial last-resort antibiotics, break down bacterial armor by forcing cells to overproduce and shed it. Astonishingly, the drugs only kill bacteria when they’re active, leaving dormant cells untouched. This discovery could explain recurring infections and inspire strategies to wake bacteria up before treatment. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:49:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012226.htm Researchers found that magic mushrooms and fiber caps independently evolved different biochemical pathways to create psilocybin. This convergence shows nature’s ingenuity, but the reason why remains unknown—possibly predator deterrence. Beyond evolutionary mystery, the discovery provides new enzyme tools for biotech, with promising applications for producing psilocybin-based medicines. Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:40:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250911080113.htm Researchers have discovered that everyday substances like caffeine can influence how bacteria such as E. coli respond to antibiotics. By examining 94 common drugs and food ingredients, scientists found that certain compounds trigger genetic regulators that control bacterial transport proteins, altering what gets inside the cells. In the case of caffeine, this led to reduced uptake of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, weakening its effectiveness. Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:12:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250911080113.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005209.htm Painkillers we often trust — ibuprofen and acetaminophen — may be quietly accelerating one of the world’s greatest health crises: antibiotic resistance. Researchers discovered that these drugs not only fuel bacterial resistance on their own but make it far worse when combined with antibiotics. The findings are especially troubling for aged care settings, where residents commonly take multiple medications, creating perfect conditions for resistant bacteria to thrive. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:00:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005209.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113522.htm Scientists have engineered a groundbreaking cancer treatment that uses bacteria to smuggle viruses directly into tumors, bypassing the immune system and delivering a powerful one-two punch against cancer cells. The bacteria act like Trojan horses, carrying viral payloads to cancer’s core, where the virus can spread and destroy malignant cells. Built-in safety features ensure the virus can’t multiply outside the tumor, offering a promising pathway for safe, targeted therapy. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:28:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113522.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250814094651.htm Arizona State University scientists have unveiled NasRED, a revolutionary one-drop blood test that can detect diseases like COVID-19, Ebola, HIV, and Lyme with incredible speed and precision. Using gold nanoparticles to spot microscopic disease markers, the device delivers results in just 15 minutes—outperforming traditional lab tests in sensitivity, speed, and affordability. Portable and costing only $2 per test, it could be deployed from remote clinics to urban hospitals, offering a lifeline for early detection and outbreak control worldwide. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 23:54:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250814094651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233038.htm Researchers at Scripps have created T7-ORACLE, a powerful new tool that speeds up evolution, allowing scientists to design and improve proteins thousands of times faster than nature. Using engineered bacteria and a modified viral replication system, this method can create new protein versions in days instead of months. In tests, it quickly produced enzymes that could survive extreme doses of antibiotics, showing how it could help develop better medicines, cancer treatments, and other breakthroughs far more quickly than ever before. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:59:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233038.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001208.htm A mysterious gut hormone may be behind many cases of chronic diarrhea, especially in people with undiagnosed bile acid malabsorption, a condition often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified that the hormone INSL5 spikes when bile acid reaches the colon, triggering intense diarrhea. Their discovery not only sheds light on the biological cause of symptoms but opens the door to a diagnostic blood test and new treatment options, including a surprising existing drug that blocks this hormone’s effects. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:33:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001208.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072748.htm In a remarkable twist of science, researchers have transformed a fungus long associated with death into a potential weapon against cancer. Found in tombs like that of King Tut, Aspergillus flavus was once feared for its deadly spores. Now, scientists at Penn and several partner institutions have extracted a new class of molecules from it—called asperigimycins—that show powerful effects against leukemia cells. These compounds, part of a rare group known as fungal RiPPs, were bioengineered for potency and appear to disrupt cancer cell division with high specificity. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:27:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072748.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622115159.htm Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, is losing its power due to rising resistance—and the culprits might be hiding in your seafood dinner. A University of Georgia research team discovered colistin-resistance genes in bacteria found in imported shrimp and scallops from markets in Atlanta. These genes can hop between bacteria via plasmids, potentially turning once-curable infections into deadly threats. Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:51:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622115159.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250609073225.htm A new Rutgers Health study reveals a surprising twist in the antibiotic resistance story: instead of simply killing bacteria, drugs like ciprofloxacin can actually trigger a kind of microbial survival mode. By crashing the bacteria's energy levels, the antibiotic causes E. coli to ramp up its metabolism, survive attacks, and mutate faster ultimately accelerating the evolution of drug resistance. Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:32:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250609073225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154910.htm Researchers have synthesized a new compound called infuzide that shows activity against resistant strains of pathogens. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:49:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154856.htm Scientists in Australia have developed a smart, bacteria-repelling coating based on resilin the ultra-elastic protein that gives fleas their legendary jumping power. When applied to surfaces like medical implants or surgical tools, the engineered resilin forms nano-droplets that physically disrupt bacterial cells, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, without harming human tissue. In lab tests, the coating was 100% effective at keeping bacteria from sticking and forming biofilms, a key cause of infection after surgery. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:48:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140133.htm Scientists have documented the way a single gene in the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, allowed it to survive hundreds of years by adjusting its virulence and the length of time it took to kill its victims, but these forms of plague ultimately died out. Thu, 29 May 2025 14:01:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124357.htm The global measles outbreak must trigger an urgent debate into whether a vaccine should be recommended earlier to better protect against the highly contagious disease during infancy, a new review states. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:43:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124357.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132118.htm Parasitic worms that infect humans are not interbreeding with those that infect cattle as previously thought. This is good news for when it comes to controlling schistosomiasis, a disease caused by these worms that affects more than 200 million people globally. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:21:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125153.htm Researchers uncover a notorious cholera strain that contains sophisticated immune systems to fend off viruses, which potentially helped it to fuel a devastating epidemic across Latin America. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:51:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125153.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124752.htm Bats are known as natural hosts for highly pathogenic viruses such as MERS- and SARS-related coronaviruses, as well as the Marburg and Nipah viruses. In contrast to the severe and often fatal disease outcomes these viruses cause in humans, bats generally do not show obvious signs of viral illness following infection. An international research team has developed an innovative organoid research platform that allowed them to closely investigate the cellular antiviral defense mechanisms of mucosal epithelial tissues of bats. The results could pave the way for the development of new therapies against viral diseases. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124752.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124750.htm Hydrogen boride (HB) nanosheets can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi within minutes in the dark conditions. By coating surfaces with HB nanosheets, it rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other pathogens. The nanosheets work by denaturing microbial proteins, offering a safe, effective, and versatile antimicrobial coating for everyday items. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124750.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124626.htm New research demonstrates how specially engineered bacteria taken orally can operate as a delivery system for vaccines and antiviral therapies. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:46:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121546.htm A study has used advanced genetic and genomic techniques to offer a major step forward in understanding and diagnosing infectious intestinal diseases. The large-scale study analyzed more than 1,000 stool samples from people with diarrheal illness to harness two cutting edge tools. The study used metagenomic (DNA-based) and metatranscriptomic (gene or RNA-based) sequencing. Unlike traditional methods, these techniques do not rely on growing organisms in a lab. Instead, they detect and analyze the genetic material directly from patient samples. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:15:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121546.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131800.htm The body defends itself against pathogens by depriving them of vital iron. However, this strategy doesn't always succeed against Salmonella. Researchers have discovered that these bacteria specifically target iron-rich regions within immune cells to replicate. Their findings on how pathogens evade the immune defense are important for fighting infections. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:18:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131800.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131442.htm Researchers have shown that the evolution of a family of exported proteins in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum enabled it to infect humans. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:14:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131442.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131255.htm Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they're in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don't know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but new research suggests certain nanoplastics may make foodborne pathogens more virulent. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:12:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131255.htm