biofilms

Novel bacteriophage offers a promising biocontrol solution against foodborne Salmonella

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Researchers from China have identified a novel bacteriophage that offers a highly promising “green” biocontrol solution against foodborne Salmonella. The study was published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. This study was conducted to address the severe challenges posed by antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella to global food safety and public … Read more

Why Some Bacteria Survive Antibiotics

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IntroductionResistance vs. persistence: Key differencesBiological mechanisms underlying persistenceClinical consequences of persistenceResearch advances and therapeutic strategiesReferencesFurther reading Antibiotic persistence helps a small subpopulation of bacteria survive treatment without becoming genetically resistant, often leading to relapse and prolonged infection. Researchers are uncovering how stress responses, metabolic slowdown, and biofilm-associated survival shape persistence and how these pathways could … Read more

Vaginal microbiome may play key role in pregnancy health and preterm birth risk, researchers say

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Scientists reveal how shifts in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy may influence inflammation and preterm birth risk, pointing to new microbiome-based therapies that could improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Study: The vaginal microbiome in pregnancy and preterm birth: mechanisms, disparities, and therapeutic opportunities. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock In a recent review published … Read more

Specific gut bacteria may signal long-term risk of heart and metabolic disease

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A large prospective study links specific gut microbes and diet-derived metabolites to future cardiometabolic disease risk, highlighting how the microbiome may reflect lifestyle factors shaping long-term heart health. Study: Specific gut microbes are associated with the incidence of cardiometabolic disease in the HELIUS cohort. Image Credit: Anusorn Nakdee / Shutterstock In a recent study published … Read more

Comparing denture cleansers for effectiveness against Candida biofilms

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Background and objectives Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, are major contributors to denture-induced stomatitis because of their ability to form biofilms on removable dental prostheses. Although chemical cleansers are effective, concerns regarding material degradation and mucosal irritation have spurred interest in non-chemical alternatives. This review aims to systematically compare the efficacy of chemical and non-chemical denture cleansers … Read more

CRISPR gene-drive technology reverses antibiotic resistance in bacteria

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Antibiotic resistance (AR) has steadily accelerated in recent years to become a global health crisis. As deadly bacteria evolve new ways to elude drug treatments for a variety of illnesses, a growing number of “superbugs” have emerged, ramping up estimates of more than 10 million worldwide deaths per year by 2050. Scientists are looking to … Read more

Far-red light suppresses biofilm formation and virulence in pathogenic bacteria

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Light is a universal stimulus that influences all living things. Cycles of light and dark help set the biological clocks for organisms ranging from single-celled bacteria to human beings. Some bacteria use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy just like plants, but other bacteria sense light for less well-known functions. In 2019, Sampriti Mukherjee, PhD, and … Read more

The Surprising Source of Next-Gen Antibiotics: Oyster Blood

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The search for a solution to antimicrobial resistance found something. And researchers found it in a true “it’s always the last place you look” location. Australian oysters. Or more specifically, Australian oyster blood. We know antimicrobial resistance claims at least 1 million lives each year, and experts suspect that number to double by 2050. To … Read more