New research has taken a step towards understanding how highly pathogenic influenza viruses such as deadly bird flu infect humans. Researchers at Griffith's Institute for Glycomics and the University of Hong Kong have shown specific sugar molecules-S-glycans-that are present in the respiratory tract are key receptors for influenza viruses, particularly the highly pathogenic influenza virus strains
New research reveals how a single protein interferes with the immune system when exposed to the bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease, findings that could have broad implications for the development of medicines to fight disease and infection.
Lowering mutation rates in harmful bacteria might be an as yet untried way to hinder the emergence of antimicrobial pathogens. One target for drug development might be a protein factor, DNA translocase Mfd, which enables bacteria to evolve rapidly by promoting mutations in many different bacterial species.
This action speeds antibiotic resistance, including multi-drug resistance. Working on drugs to block Mfd and similar factors could be a revolutionary strategy to address the worldwide crisis of treatment-resistant infectious diseases.
An antibiotic called thanatin attacks the way the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is built. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now found out that this happens through a previously unknown mechanism. Thanatin, produced naturally by the spined soldier bug, can be used to develop new classes of antibiotics.
Researchers have evidence that Kawasaki Disease (KD) does not have a single cause. By studying weather patterns and geographic distributions of patients in San Diego, the research team determined that this disease has influenced multiple environmental triggers by a combination of temperature, precipitation and wind patterns.
Heart complications in patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia are more serious than in patients diagnosed with viral pneumonia, according to new research. In the study of nearly 5,000 patients, researchers found that patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia had a 60 percent greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death than patients who had been diagnosed with viral pneumonia.
Researchers have discovered a possible path forward in preventing the development of cancers tied to two viruses, including the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis – more commonly known as the monkey or the 'kissing disease' – that infects millions of people around the globe each year.
A new report finds health systems are falling woefully short of ensuring the most vulnerable children have sufficient access to prevention and treatment services in 15 countries that account for 70% of global pneumonia and diarrhea deaths in children under five.
Allied BioScience, a Plano, Texas-based biotechnology company announced today it has received an approved label from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for SurfaceWise ™, a new bacteriostatic surface coating that inhibits the growth of and provides continuous protection against bacteria, fungi (mold and mildew) and algae which cause odor, staining and discoloration in various commercial settings, including hospitals and sports facilities.
New research has revealed the impact to change in US guidelines on the prescribing of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent a life-threatening heart condition infective endocarditis (IE) in patients before undergoing invasive dental treatment.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a protein that determines the identity and invasive properties of breast cancer cells. The finding could lead to the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to target breast cancer invasion and metastasis. The study is published in the scientific journal Cancer Research.
Aspergillus is an important fungal genus, with roles in agriculture, biotechnology, human health, enzyme production and food fermentation. Scientists now present the first large analysis of an Aspergillus fungal subgroup, section Nigri.