In the deep-sea environment of the East Pacific Rise, where sunlight does not penetrate and the surroundings are known for their extreme temperatures, skull-crushing pressures, and toxic compounds, lives Riftia pachyptila, a giant hydrothermal vent tubeworm. Growing up to 6 feet tall with a deep-red plume, Riftia does not have a digestive system but thrives … Read more
Microbial genetics is a specialized field within genetics that focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, collectively referred to as microorganisms or microbes. These single-celled organisms play crucial roles in various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, symbiotic relationships, and human health. Microbial genetics explores the diversity, evolution, regulation, and … Read more
Microbiology is the branch of biology that explores the world of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These tiny life forms, invisible to the naked eye, play essential roles in ecosystems, human health, agriculture, industry, and environmental processes. Microbiology encompasses diverse areas of study, from microbial diversity and evolution to microbial ecology, … Read more
The cell, often described as the fundamental unit of life, represents the building block of all living organisms. This microscopic entity is the smallest structural and functional unit of life, capable of carrying out the essential processes necessary for an organism’s survival and reproduction. From single-celled organisms like bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans, … Read more
Hydrogen gas is a clean fuel. It burns with oxygen in the air to provide energy with no CO2. Hydrogen is a key to sustainable energy for the future. Though humans are just now coming to realize the benefits of hydrogen gas (H2Â in chemical shorthand), microbes have known that H2Â is a good fuel for as … Read more
A team of University of Michigan researchers has successfully modified a naturally occurring chemical compound in the lab, resulting in advanced lead compounds with anti-HIV activity. Their results, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, offer a new path forward in the development of drugs that could potentially help cure—rather than treat—HIV. Although effective treatments are available to … Read more
A perplexing problem for people with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) is persistent pain, even after antibiotics have successfully cleared the bacteria. Now Duke Health researchers have identified the likely cause—an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder. The finding, appearing March 1 in the journal Science Immunology, provides a potential new approach to managing … Read more
Patients who have drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) have a similar microbiological response to bedaquiline-based second-line medications as patients with drug-sensitive TB taking first-line regimens, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and GHESKIO Centers in Haiti. Second-line medications are those that are given when one or more of the drugs given first for … Read more
Nitrogenases are considered promising candidates for the sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds. Unfortunately, one bottleneck in this complex process, the supply of electrons to the enzymes, has remained a mystery until now. A team at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg has discovered two essential electron carriers that play … Read more
Early in the development of sperm, a strange event happens: the X and Y chromosomes condense into tight packages and are sequestered away from the other 44 human chromosomes. If any part of this process goes awry, the cells cannot mature into sperm. Researchers in the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences have now identified … Read more
Scientists at Scripps Research have engineered a groundbreaking antibody capable of neutralizing the lethal effects of venomous snake toxins from a diverse range of species across Africa, Asia, and Australia. This antibody, detailed in Science Translational Medicine, demonstrated its efficacy in protecting mice from the venom of notoriously deadly snakes such as black mambas and … Read more
Pancreatic cancer is the No. 3 cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and only 12% of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. Severe pancreatic cancer is associated with metastasis, and it is this spread of secondary tumors that usually causes death, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis. … Read more
A groundbreaking study spearheaded by the University of Liverpool and King’s College London has unveiled unsettling revelations about the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on the brain. Despite the absence of abnormal inflammation markers in routine blood tests, the research indicates persistent markers of brain injury in individuals months after their COVID-19 infection has subsided. This … Read more
We often look to the smallest lifeforms for help solving the biggest problems: Microbes help make foods and beverages, cure diseases, treat waste and even clean up pollution. Yeast and bacteria can also convert plant sugars into biofuels and chemicals traditionally derived from fossil fuels—a key component of most plans to slow climate change. Now … Read more
Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of molecules that make up the essential components of living organisms. It delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and cellular signaling. At its core, molecular biology seeks to understand the molecular basis of … Read more
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more
Prokaryotes are simple yet remarkably resilient organisms that represent one of the most ancient forms of life on Earth. These unicellular organisms lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, distinguishing them from eukaryotes. Despite their apparent simplicity, prokaryotes play a crucial role in various ecosystems and have significant implications for fields ranging from microbiology … Read more
Viruses are microscopic entities that straddle the line between living and non-living. Comprising genetic material encased in a protein coat, viruses lack the cellular structure necessary for independent life. These fascinating entities are significant players in various fields, including microbiology, medicine, and biotechnology. Understanding viruses is pivotal for combating infectious diseases, advancing molecular biology, and … Read more
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that constitute a vast and diverse domain of life. They are prokaryotic, meaning their cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Despite their simple structure, bacteria are incredibly diverse, inhabiting various environments on Earth and playing crucial roles in ecosystems, industry, and human health. The discovery of bacteria is attributed … Read more
Microbiology is a scientific discipline that explores the microscopic world of microorganisms, encompassing a diverse array of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This field delves into the study of their structure, function, genetics, and ecological roles. Microorganisms play crucial roles in various aspects of life, including human health, environmental processes, and industrial … Read more