Category: bacteria

Fighting Bacteria With Viruses

Bacteria that can’t be killed with antibiotics are a growing problem around the world. These cause serious infections in hospitals and other health care settings. Scientists have been looking for new ways to kill drug-resistant bacteria. One idea has been to use bacteriophages, also called phages. Phages are viruses that infect bacteria but are harmless…


Bacteria-Killing Immune Proteins Pave Way for New Infection Treatments

Australian researchers have discovered a specific group of bacteria-killing proteins innate to our immune systems, which may lead to the development of more effective drugs capable of combatting infectious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The Australian National University (ANU) team, whose findings are published in Nature Communications, demonstrated the ability of these immune…


Bacteria That Causes Rare Tropical Disease Found in US Soil

NEW YORK—A germ that causes a rare and sometimes deadly disease—long thought to be confined to tropical climates—has been found in soil and water in the continental United States, U.S. health officials said Wednesday. The bacteria was found on the property of a Mississippi man who had come down with the disease, melioidosis. Officials don’t…


Study Sounds Alarm Over New Bacteria Increasingly Spreading Among Humans

A strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria discovered in pigs is spreading to people and causing infections, according to a new study released this week. A strain of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is suspected to have emerged among European pigs and other livestock in the past several decades because of frequent antibiotic use in farming. “Historically…


The ‘Mount Everest’ of Bacteria Discovered in Caribbean Swamps

WASHINGTON—The largest-known bacterium—a vermicelli-shaped organism that was discovered in shallow mangrove swamps in the Caribbean and is big enough to be seen with the naked eye—is redefining what is possible for bacteria, Earth’s most ancient life form. Scientists said on Thursday the bacterium, called Thiomargarita magnifica, is noteworthy not merely for its size—colossal for a…


New Research Identify Pathways for Potential Treatment for Lethal Bacteria

New research conducted by the Australian National University has identified pathways for lethal Clostridium spp. bacteria, potentially leading to more effective treatment options for the future. “Our research shows there might be new therapies we could develop, such as using certain drugs to neutralise the toxin [released by the bacteria],” said the lead researcher, Prof….


What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

That seems to be what happened to a British man who was suffering from swollen lymph nodes and unexplained weight loss. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and those over 55. Then the ailing 61-year-old started wheezing and having difficulty breathing. He…


Deadly Bugs Found in 9 of 10 Makeup Bags

We recently tested 467 makeup products, donated to our study by people in the United Kingdom, for bacterial and fungal contamination and found that 90 percent contained potentially deadly germs. These products, which included lipstick and mascara, could pose a significant health threat. We found E. coli and Staphylococci in used eyeliner and mascara. These bacteria can cause irritation and conjunctivitis (pink…


Gross Things Happen When You Don’t Wash Your Sheets

How often do you wash your sheets and put fresh ones on your bed? That’s OK, you don’t need to let anyone else know; you can keep the answer to yourself. However, the best answer is no longer than two weeks, and less in some cases. If you and your family are sleeping on sheets that…


Solutions for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

In part one of this series, we gave an overview of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth—otherwise known as SIBO. In part two, we discussed how to diagnose it. This third and final installment explores how to treat it. It’s no secret that SIBO can be difficult to treat. Finding true resolution requires an all-encompassing approach that…