Microplastics in treatment plants becomes hubs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Study
The plastic particles allow the formation of a slimy layer on their surface which allows bacteria and antibiotic waste to attach and mingle.
Health
Variations in oral bacteria linked with future risk of lung cancer in people who have never smoked, finds study
This link between oral bacteria and lung cancer may not be that easily apparent but it’s based on an emerging scientific consensus that the oral microbiome has a huge role to play in lung health
London AI lab DeepMind claims breakthrough that could accelerate drug discovery
If scientists can predict the shape of a protein in the human body, they can determine how other molecules will bind or physically attach to it
Laser-based method to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria invented by UK scientists
The method could quickly differentiate between antibiotic-resistant and -sensitive strains of the widely-prevalent bacterial pathogen.
Phosphine found in the Venus atmosphere, could be signs of 'aerial life' in planet's clouds
A chemically-synthesized bioweapon and agricultural fumigant, phosphine in also naturally made by some anaerobic microbes in low oxygen environments.
Certain bacteria can clump up, survive harsh conditions of space for many years, study suggests
Cell pellets of Deinococcus thicker than 0.5 mm can survive 15 to 45 years of UV radiation on the ISS, and 48 years in space, researchers said.
Health
What are antivitamins and how can they help in treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections
Antivitamins K, B9 and B12 drugs are already used for their medical applications — stopping blood clotting, suppressing cancer and microbial growth
Scientists discover defined 'compartments' in bacteria with specific roles to play in their survival
These compartments are the norm and not the exception in bacteria, hinting at the complexity of these one-celled living organisms.
Microbes dormant for over 100 million years in South Pacific seabed revived by scientists
The researchers have concluded that some of Earth’s simplest life forms have not actual concept of lifespan.
Single enzyme in bacteria that causes body odour in humans tracked down in new study
This could mean that products to get rid of the bad smell without harming any other microbes in our body could come around soon.
Bacteria that eats metal, processes carbon accidentally discovered on dirty lab equipment
Such microbes were predicted to exist over a century ago, but none had been found or described until now.
What do you do when you need to use a public bathroom during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Shared bathrooms can increase the spread of gastrointestinal infections, we don’t know how bathrooms play a role in the transmission COVID-19.
Loose bandanas, handkerchiefs not as effective against COVID-19 as cotton face masks, but still better than nothing at all
A single sneeze can release about 40,000 droplets into the air which can travel at a speed of about 100 m/s.
Gut mucus has an intrinsic relation with neurological diseases caused by bacterial imbalance, finds study
Researchers have shown changes to intestinal mucus affect the balance of gut bacteria but no-one made the connection between gut mucus and the brain.
World Environment Day 2020: Researchers find cleanest air on Earth, say region remains unaffected by human activities
The boundary layer air is free from particles, called aerosols that are produced by anthropogenic activities or transported from distant lands.
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are infecting humans, cattle due to intensive farming techniques
Overuse of antibiotics, high animal numbers and low genetic diversity increase the likelihood of pathogens becoming a public health risk.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Read an excerpt from Superbugs which outlines the difficulties of making antibiotics
There was no good way to predict who would contract an infection or who would succumb to the illness. We were all at risk because bacteria don’t discriminate — they attack all comers: the young, the old, and everyone in between, writes Dr Matt McCarthy, author of Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic
Scientists find microbial life on deep sea rocks; discovery offers hope of finding life on Mars
The new discovery has made the scientists believe that such tiny, clay-filled cracks in rocks on Mars or below its surface could also be housing such microoganisms.
Worming our way out of plastic pollution might get easier with these creepy crawlies
The problem of the earth's plastic pollution is too large and complex to simply throw worms at.
Ancient fossilised microbes may help accurately predict climate on ancient Earth
The study could help geologists and climatologists fine-tune records of past temperatures, piece together a more accurate climate record.