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News by Category: Biomaterials Hope of effective vaccines for devastating diseases after new work on artificially constructed viruses 17 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology According to researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in work presented at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh, new work on artificially constructed viruses offers the hope of effective vaccines for devastating diseases in the future. £3 billion lost every year due to Phytophthora infestans 16 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology According to research due to be presented at a Society for General Microbiology meeting at UMIST in Manchester, potato blight causes worldwide losses of £3 billion every year, but scientists are only just discovering how it infects potato plants, Silver medal for SGM at Chelsea Flower Show 15 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, gardening enthusiasts were keen to learn how some microbes can harm their garden plants. The Society for General Microbiology’s exhibit, ‘Plants and microbes, a deadly duel’, also impressed the judges, who awarded it a silver medal in the Lindley Range. New technology to see ever smaller and smaller pieces of the puzzle that is life 14 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology The Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology, looks at vital role that microscopy plays to advance our understanding of the lives of some fascinating micro-organisms. A simple blood test for tuberculosis in children could reduce deaths 13 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology TB testing in children is crucial as the disease can rapidly spread from the lungs to other organs, such as the brain, spine and kidneys, leading to life threatening conditions which particularly affect children. A simple blood test to analyse and identify proteins circulating in the blood of infected children could provide the answer. Cystitis and other infections possibly caused by bacteria using a rudimentary form of computing power to co-ordinate their attacks 12 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology According to scientists, cystitis and the other urinary tract infections suffered by one in five women may be caused by bacteria using a rudimentary form of computing power to co-ordinate their attacks and act as a genetic memory. Parasites causing African sleeping sickness constantly change their coats for disguise 11 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology’s meeting, in York that most parasites hide in the cells of the body while they do their dirty work, but the culprits which cause African sleeping sickness openly multiply in the blood, while continually changing their coats for disguise. Research suggests spreading of sewage sludge on fields poses practically no risk 10 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Society for General Microbiology researchers say food poisoning bugs in sewage sludge which is spread on fields are destroyed so quickly that they pose practically no risk. Why antibiotic resistant superbugs win out in the wild 09 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Researchers have discovered why superbugs like MRSA are dominating our hospitals, when accepted wisdom says that the cost for bacteria of competing against non-resistant strains should be too great in most circumstances. Breakthrough in production of biofuels 08 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists in Germany have developed a breakthrough in the production of biofuels. Research published in the Microbiology, a Society for General Microbiology journal, describes how specially engineered bacteria could be used to make fuel completely from food crops. A breakthrough in classification of new bacteria 07 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology An article in Microbiology Today reports that classifications of new bacteria have been made easier after a study found that ‘gold standard’ tests used by microbiologists should be interpreted more stringently. Bird 'flu (H5N1) - What happens if the critical care system is overwhelmed? 06 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology The Federation of Infection Societies conference heard that plans to make fair decisions about who gets scarce treatment if bird ‘flu spreads to humans are being prepared by Doctors, nurses, ethics experts and scientists. Global consequences for HIV and drug resistant tuberculosis in Africa 05 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Africa has 10% of the worldwide population but is also home 70% of the world’s people who are infected with HIV, and 85% of all the people who have both HIV and tuberculosis. Significant increases in tuberculosis are also being found in Western Europe, including the UK. New challenge for combating Syphilis as it resurfaces in London 04 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology The Federation of Infection Societies conference in Cardiff heard that cases of Syphilis are on the rise in Britain, putting infants at risk of dying by having the disease passed on by their mothers during pregnancy. Serious multi-drug-resistant bacteria are also becoming immune to hospital disinfectants & antiseptics 03 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology New research presented by the Society for General Microbiology, suggests that dangerous multi-drug-resistant bacteria are also developing immunity to hospital disinfectants and antiseptics. The ability of viruses to infect & destroy cells is being used by scientists to stop cancerous tumours 02 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology An article in the Microbiology (The Society for General Microbiology's quarterly magazine) states that the natural ability of viruses to infect and destroy cells is being used by scientists to kill cancerous tumours. Hospital stitching, nylon strips, beads & thread covered in viruses could be effective against MRSA 01 June 2007 - Society for General Microbiology Beads, nylon strips and hospital stitching thread covered in viruses might prove to be an effective weapon against the hospital acquired superbug MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), according to research. Herpes hope for new brain tumour treatment 18 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology A virus that causes brain infections is now being tamed to treat brain tumours, scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Evidence that some cleaning agents may actually help bacteria to survive in hospitals 18 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Elderly patients, who are most at risk from hospital bugs which cause diarrhoea, could be having their health endangered by the widespread use of some disinfectants, according to scientists presenting research at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Hope that MRSA spread can be beaten by vaccination 17 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Superbugs stuck in the noses of patients, visitors and staff could be causing the spread of the feared multiple antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA in hospitals, scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Making better probiotics, a helping hand for friendly bacteria 16 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Asthma, eczema, bowel disease and other medical problems, which can be helped by taking probiotics, foods containing friendly bacteria, may be improved even further according to research announced at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Strawberry and chocolate danger could be prevented by good bacteria 16 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Consuming strawberries, chocolate and tea in excess can all lead to kidney stones, but the danger might be prevented by probiotics, according to medical researchers speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Pandemic potential of H5N1 bird 'flu 15 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Making vaccines against bird 'flu is difficult and many problems need to be overcome before production begins of a vaccine for the disease, according to an article in the issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Antibiotics increase tuberculosis resistance risk 15 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Drug resistant tuberculosis may be on the increase due to a limited repertoire of effective drugs, which need to be given in combination, and the inability of some TB bacteria to repair their own DNA properly, leading to faster mutations, according to scientists presenting their research at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Carbon kick start works wonders for plant growth 14 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Feeding the bugs lurking in potting compost or soil some extra carbon rations to kick start their activity can boost healthy crop growth in an environmentally friendly way, biologists heard at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Bacteria as logic boxes, decision making switches may hold key to combat drug resistance 14 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Bacteria are very capable of making decisions that require juggling various aspects of life, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Marine bacteria are cutting cooling gas emissions 13 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Marine bacteria are reducing the amount of an important climate cooling gas given off from our seas and studies on enzymes from a model bacterium could help to understand this important process, say scientists at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. New infrared snapshot will spot contaminated meat in seconds and prevent food poisoning 13 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology A new technique to spot contaminated meat in seconds instead of the hours currently needed could revolutionise the food processing industry and prevent thousands of cases of food poisoning every year, according to scientists speaking today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Trojan horses may hold key to Campylobacter in chicken farms 12 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology An extremely unpleasant food poisoning bug, often caught through eating undercooked chicken, is lurking in Trojan horses on our farms, according to scientists presenting at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Tuberculosis treatment from fat buster drugs 12 June 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Tuberculosis is returning to haunt the UK and Europe as the bacterium that causes it becomes resistant to more and more of the drugs doctors use to treat it. Now researchers have found a potential new target for treatments in fatty molecules attached to the microbe's cell walls, the Society for General Microbiology heard today at its 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Chlamydia could cause chronic heart disease 04 April 2006 - Society for General Microbiology A common bacterium best known for sore throats and bronchitis may play a role in heart disease and strokes, according to detective work by Washington-based pathobiologists announced at the Society for General Microbiology's 158th Meeting at the University of Warwick, UK. Aspirin agent aids plants against virus 29 March 2006 - Society for General Microbiology Yet another extraordinary ability of the active ingredient in aspirin, salicylic acid, has just been identified by plant scientists working at the University of Cambridge, researchers heard at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. Microbes on the move, Microbiology Today: November 2005 issue 03 November 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Clouds of desert dust are moving vast numbers of microbes around the globe, which can be harmful or beneficial to downwind communities, according to an article in the November 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Bird 'flu: not the only flying hazard, Microbiology Today: November 2005 issue 03 November 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Our view of wild birds is mostly positive. They are a lovely sight as they soar through the air or drift lazily on updrafts. But there is a downside to this beauty. Birds are reservoirs for all manner of infectious disease and we can do little about it, according to an article in the November 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Preserving food by stopping bacteria blabbering 14 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Understanding the language that bacteria use to communicate with each other may lead to new food preservation methods, according to Danish scientists at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. What lies beneath? Life deep underground offers nuclear safety 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Microbes may assist the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel deep underground for a hundred thousand years, according to Swedish scientists speaking today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK New metal munching microbes, bug batteries and automatic miners 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Electricity generated by bugs living deep in metal rich mud, cleaning up contaminated land, and mining metals automatically using microbes are just some of the most likely possibilities for the future, according to research discussed at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Vaccine for typhoid and food poisoning possible, after scientists decode structure of proteins and stomach sugars 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists have identified a key molecule used by Salmonella food poisoning bacteria to break into our gut walls, leading to hope for a vaccine, in research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Methane eating undersea bugs prevent greenhouse gases getting out 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology 13 September 2005 Methane eating undersea bugs prevent greenhouse gases getting out Scientists have discovered how microbes in the sea play a crucial part in preventing huge quantities of the greenhouse gas methane from reaching the atmosphere, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Methane is not just produced in rubbish tips, it also comes in huge quantities from decomposing seaweeds and tiny creatures which fall to the seabed. But other micro-organisms manage to consume more than 80% of the methane before it can bubble up through the seawater and reach the atmosphere, causing massive global warming. 'Scientists are just beginning to understand the importance of these marine ecosystems, which work without any oxygen,' says Dr Martin Krüger from the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Resources in Hannover, Germany. 'Tiny micro-organisms working without oxygen in the marine sediments are shaping entire ecosystems like the Black Sea, and leave their imprint on the whole world.' Analysing the way these seabed systems work will help scientists gain understanding and produce better models of the major forces contributing to global warming and climate changes. The research will give better estimates of the way greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane flow and recycle around the world. 'Without these methane eating micro-oroganisms, the seabed would be contributing significantly to global warming,' says Dr Krüger. 'Science has only just started to understand this new type of metabolism, independent of photosynthesis, on which we previously thought all life depended, which appears to be everywhere. We are also starting to identify new types of enzymes and new types of reactions which could be of great domestic, industrial, medical and biotechnological interest.' Fungi can help plants cope with toxic metals in the soil and clean up pollution say scientists 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Friendly fungi living on the roots of plants can help them find nutrients for themselves and the plants, deal with toxic metals in the soil, and help clean up contaminated sites according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. GBS vaccine hope for newborn babies 13 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Group B Streptococcusare the most common bacteria attacking newborn babies, affecting 1 in 1000 births, and killing up to 6% of those infected. Now microbiologists may be closer to finding a way of protecting against them, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Wilting threat to commercial glasshouse tomato crop 12 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Commercial tomatoes have been bred to resist Verticillium wilt, but new strains of the fungus have appeared, attacking glasshouse crops in Britain and the Netherlands. Now scientists are fighting back using DNA forensics, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Cot death clues from superbug survival strategy 12 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Bacteria linked to cot death could be surviving in babies' mattresses, particularly in damp conditions, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. Scientists from Leicester found that of the bacteria studied, a common bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, closely related to the hospital superbug, was the most successful at surviving for long periods in infant cots. Gum disease — microbiologists bite back 12 September 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Gum diseases caused by bacteria that can survive in the harsh environment of the human mouth may be preventable in future, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 157th Meeting at Keele University, UK. 'The NHS already spends £270 million every year on these gum diseases through the General Dental Service. About one in eight people in the UK is affected, and in severe cases it can lead to lost teeth. There is also growing evidence that the bacteria themselves, or the gum infections they cause, contribute to heart disease, so we urgently need to develop an effective treatment,' says Professor Mike Curtis of the Institute of Cell & Molecular Science at Barts & the London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry. Killer into cure - using viruses to treat cancer 29 July 2005 - Society for General Microbiology The natural ability of viruses to infect and destroy cells is being used by scientists to kill cancerous tumours, according to an article in the August 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Professor Moira Brown of Southern General Hospital in Glasgow explains how viruses that cause common diseases, such as cold sores and 'flu, have been modified so that they are no longer harmful, but can target and kill only cancerous cells. Deep sea algae connect ancient climate, carbon dioxide and vegetation 22 June 2005 - Yale University Assistant Professor Mark Pagani in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Yale and his colleagues mapped the first detailed history of atmospheric carbon dioxide between 45–25 million years ago based on stable isotopes of carbon in a National Science Foundation study reported in Science Express. Home composting could cut down greenhouse gas 05 May 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Composting household organic waste not only reduces landfill disposal, but could also help to cut greenhouse gases according to an article in the May 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. The UK currently dumps about 85% of its domestic waste straight into landfill and much of this is biodegradable. Anaerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste in landfills generates methane, a principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Home composting could cut down greenhouse gas - Microbiology Today: May 2005 issue 05 May 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Composting household organic waste not only reduces landfill disposal, but could also help to cut greenhouse gases according to an article in the May 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. The UK currently dumps about 85% of its domestic waste straight into landfill and much of this is biodegradable. Anaerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste in landfills generates methane, a principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Barbecue food risks blamed on global warming 05 May 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Global warming holds an additional risk to the people of Britain, according to an article in the May 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Rises in temperature and longer days mean that more of us will be tempted by the lure of the barbecue, which could be followed by an unwelcome dose of food poisoning. Already, at the first sign of sun, people dust down the grill and head outside to cook. Chemically-conscious gardeners use bugs to beat back the weeds 05 May 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Organic gardeners can control pesky weeds with the help of some common soil microbes, according to an article in the May 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. As Robert J Kremer of the University of Missouri explains, soil that suppresses the growth of weeds isn't science fiction and doesn't involve chemical fertilisers and herbicides. Phosphates through fungi could reduce fertiliser use 05 May 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists are looking to a little known, but very widespread, phenomenon to provide a natural source of fertilisers for plants and crops, according to an article in the May 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. 'Remarkably, most plants are not just plants; they are symbioses with fungi,' explains Professor Alastair Fitter, from the University of York. Professor Fitter is studying this marvellous alliance of plant roots and fungi, called a mycorrhiza, to find out how they work together to survive. Georgia Tech research reveals how biomaterial properties control cellular responses 18 April 2005 - Georgia Institute of Technology The body treats implanted medical devices – including everything from titanium hip replacements and blood vessel grafts – as invaders. Cells surround and attack foreign material, resulting in an inflammatory response. This unfriendly reaction prevents implants from integrating into the body and functioning as well as they could. Using microbes to mine metals and clean up spoil 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Mineral loving microbes are used to mine metals and could be used to clear up corrosive acid pollution left over from industrial workings, say Welsh scientists Asian bird 'flu vaccine now safe enough to use, but can we make it? 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists have managed to manipulate the deadly Asian bird 'flu virus to make it safe enough to use in the laboratory, giving us hope of an effective vaccine, according to research to be presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Increasing numbers of fatal bird influenza cases in humans during the last nine years in South-east Asia have raised international fears of another global 'flu pandemic. The virus has already killed three-quarters of the people infected, but if the strains known as H5N1 gain the ability to jump from person to person the effects will be devastating according to experts. Traditional brass pitchers may hold the secret of safe drinking water 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Where there's brass there may be no muck, say researchers looking at the safety of drinking water kept in traditional pitchers in rural India, and presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Transporting and storing water in brass pitchers may be saving lives in rural India, according to researchers from Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne. The scientists looked at the effectiveness of storing contaminated water for over two days in traditional brass, earthenware and modern plastic containers. Using microbes to mine metals and clean up spoil 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Mineral loving microbes are used to mine metals and could be used to clear up corrosive acid pollution left over from industrial workings, say Welsh scientists speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Mankind has been using metals for thousands of years, and we even name key stages of our civilisation such as the Iron Age and Bronze Age after them. But micro-organisms have been using metals for millions of years, as food, as energy sources, and instead of oxygen to breathe. Using biosensor bugs to spot heavy metals in sewage sludge fertiliser 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Sewage sludge is a cheap fertiliser, and spreading it on forest floors should be a good way to dispose of it. But sewage can contain metals like copper or lead that can be dangerous at high concentrations, so it needs a safety check first. Researchers think they have finally found a cheap way to test its toxicity, scientists will hear at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Salmon farm killer tamed by bug bug 06 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Newly hatched salmon and trout can be devastated by bacteria, destroying the livelihoods and commercial viability of fish farms. But now US scientists hope that they have found a way to substantially reduce fish deaths without using expensive antibiotics or vaccines, according to research at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Stitching up MRSA with viruses 05 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Nylon strips, beads and hospital stitching thread covered in viruses could be an effective weapon against the hospital acquired superbug, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Viruses could deliver HIV, malaria, rabies and cancer vaccines as pills 05 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Rabies, HIV, cancer and malaria could all be prevented with pills in the future, if a new technique using specially modified viruses to deliver vaccines is adopted, according to scientists speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. 'We can take a special type of virus which only infects bacteria, called a bacteriophage, and replace some of its DNA with vaccine DNA, and then use the phage to deliver vaccines in a highly efficient way,' says Dr John March of the Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, near Edinburgh. Microbiologists discover how food poisoning E. coli O157 became so toxic 05 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Twenty-three years ago a harmless gut bacterium called E. coli developed the ability to kill people through food poisoning, bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure. Scientists are now beginning to understand this phenomenon, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Scientists find how pneumonia bacteria get sugar boost to survive 04 April 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Meningitis and pneumonia bacteria smash into our lungs and cells to steal sugar, which helps them survive, according to research presented today from King's College and Guy's Hospital London, at the Society for General Microbiology's 156th Meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Millions could be relieved by crystal-free catheters 09 February 2005 - Society for General Microbiology Investigations into the bacteria that infest urinary catheters could relieve millions of patients each year from the discomfort of recurrent infection, according to an article in the February 2005 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Spider silks, the ecological materials of tomorrow? 30 November 2004 - Technische Universitaet München Spider silks could become the intelligent materials of the future, according to a review article published this month in the journal Microbial Cell Factories. The characteristics of spider silk could have applications in areas ranging from medicine to ballistics. Bioresorbable polymer set for incorporation into stents 23 November 2004 - New Jersey Center for Biomaterials The New Jersey Center for Biomaterials has generated what it hopes to be the beginning of a technology transfer success story that originated through the work of Rutgers University Professor Joachim Kohn in his search for improved biomaterials. Scientists achieve self-assembly of spider silk fibre in insect cells 23 November 2004 - Hebrew University of Jerusalem For the first time anywhere, scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and from Germany have succeeded in producing self-assembled spider web fibres under laboratory conditions, outside of the bodies of spiders. This fibre is significantly stronger than the silk fibre made by silkworms. Real super-bugs can save the planet 26 October 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Beneficial bacteria have fast-tracked evolution to solve some of our pollution problems, according to an article in the November 2004 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology. Using the same mechanisms that have allowed hospital superbugs to survive in the presence of antibiotics, many bacteria have changed their behaviour and now use our toxic chemicals as a source of food. Thrush fungus may mate when the going gets tough 26 October 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Fungi that infect man do not easily learn to become resistant to antifungal drugs. However, antifungal resistance sometimes arises and, according to an article in the November 2004 issue of Microbiology Today, the quarterly magazine of the Society for General Microbiology, new studies suggest that when one important fungal pathogen does so, it can rearrange its genetic makeup to favour mating and other changes that could accelerate its evolution. How new diseases from insects hit people like the plague 08 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists have traced the first steps in the way some new diseases emerge, and how harmless bacteria living in insects become dangerous disease-causing bugs which can affect humans, like the plague or anthrax. Researchers from the University of Bath are presenting their results at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Win-win with biodegradable plastics from toxic waste 08 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology A biodegradable plastic made from toxic waste could solve pollution problems, scientists from Dublin announced at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Drug-resistant hospital bugs also learning to beat disinfectant say scientists 08 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Dangerous multi-drug-resistant bacteria are also developing immunity to hospital disinfectants and antiseptics, according to new research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Functional foods offer hope for fighting infections 08 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Upset stomachs and gut diseases are a common problem amongst our increasingly elderly population, but now help may be on hand using friendly bacteria isolated from the intestines of healthy elderly individuals, according to scientists at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Bug factories for drugs: quality control holds key to quantity 08 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Tiny types of soil bugs already make many of the products we use in washing detergents, foods, and waste treatment, but scientists now hope that similar bacteria will also make the vaccines and drugs of the future, according to new research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Virus product could kill anthrax and beat antibiotic resistance 07 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Researchers from Rockefeller University, New York, have developed a new way of killing dangerous bacteria like the ones which cause anthrax and pneumonia, using products from a virus, according to new research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Fish slime crock of gold at end of rainbow 06 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology The slippery mucus on the skin of rainbow trout is being studied by scientists as a possible source of new medicines to fight infectious diseases, according to research presented today at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Bee sting antibiotics could beat superbugs 06 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Bee stings may provide a solution to overcome the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in bacteria according to new research presented by Belfast scientists at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Silencing bacteria could stop infections and save lives say scientists 06 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Stopping bacteria from talking to each other could help prevent serious infections say scientists from Aberdeen, in new research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Honey helps healing say scientists 06 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Honey could be the new antibiotic, according to scientific research from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff presented at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. New solution to stop tooth rot 06 September 2004 - Society for General Microbiology About half of today's children have tooth decay, so a new solution that blocks the action of bacteria which attack teeth could bring significant benefits, say scientists speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. Air travel aids viruses to go here, there and everywhere 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Air travel, increasing urbanization and modern farming practices are all helping to spread deadly virus diseases carried by blood-sucking mosquitoes and ticks, according to scientists from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Oxford, speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. New, classier route to killing superbugs 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists from the New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry have discovered a whole new class of enzymes which may represent a major advance in understanding the way bacterial cells self destruct under stress, researchers will hear at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. Interfering with ways in which viruses counteract the immune response may lead to novel vaccines 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Novel vaccines to some viruses may be possible due to work studying the way viruses block our bodies' natural defence mechanisms, scientists from the University of St Andrews will announce at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. How Hairpin Probe and Gold Gets Bad Bugs Glowing 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Using tiny amounts of gold and a genetic 'hairpin probe', US scientists have developed a sensor which will aid hospitals in the fight against serious infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, researchers from the University of Rochester, New York, will announce at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. Hope for flu fight as researchers crack communication 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology Finding the way influenza viruses multiply may lead to new medicines which can fight all varieties of flu, according to German medical researchers speaking at the Society for General Microbiology meeting in Bath. Fruit flies in fight against flu and fevers 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology West Nile virus and dengue fever, two of the most feared diseases spread by mosquitoes and other biting insects, could be controlled in future by using techniques learned from studying the influenza virus, fruit flies and plants, according to scientists from the University of California speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. Climate keeps tick-borne diseases in check 29 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology The blood-sucking ticks that spread microbes, causing disease in livestock and people, are very sensitive to the weather. So different sorts of microbes cycle between ticks and their hosts in the UK and in other parts of Europe where the summers are warmer and drier. This has obvious implications for the possible effects of environmental changes occurring now, Oxford University scientists said at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath. Some bacterial toxins could cause cancer says scientist 25 March 2004 - Society for General Microbiology A possible link between cancer and toxins or poisons produced by bacteria has been suggested by King's College London scientists, the Society for General Microbiology's meeting in Bath will hear next week. Reducing the risks of GM micro-organisms 09 December 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists have developed a system to increase the safety of genetically modified microbes for release into the environment. Release of GM micro-organisms is a cause of great concern to many, because the microbes could pass on genes for disease or other harmful traits to others. But, a team of researchers from Spain and Germany believes that it is possible to reduce this risk. New bug to tackle pollution 10 October 2003 - Society for General Microbiology A new, all-natural, pollutant-busting microbe has been discovered by scientists in Germany. Research published in the October 2003 issue of Microbiology, a Society for General Microbiology journal, describes a new strain of bacterium, which could be used in the near future to clean up polluted land. Helping Cystic Fibrosis patients beat bugs 10 September 2003 - Society for General Microbiology People with weakened immune systems, including patients with cystic fibrosis could be better protected in future from a highly resilient bacteria, thanks to work by medical scientists from the University of Leeds. The research is presented at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at UMIST in Manchester. Beating the blight of potato famine 10 September 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Potato blight causes worldwide losses of £3 billion every year, but scientists are only just discovering how it infects potato plants, according to research due to be presented at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at UMIST in Manchester. Stress lessons from yeast 10 September 2003 - Society for General Microbiology The humble yeast can teach us vital lessons in coping with stress, according to researchers from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Medical use for new sugar coated proteins 09 September 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Making sugar coated proteins for use in medicines is a step closer thanks to a chance discovery by scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The research is presented by Professor Brendan Wren at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at UMIST in Manchester. Progress against deadly E. coli bug 08 September 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists from the Institute for Animal Health announced progress towards controlling the deadly E. coli bacterium that causes food poisoning and kidney failure, at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at UMIST in Manchester. New category of antibiotics may present a fresh threat to public health 13 June 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Bacteria have developed resistance to all antibiotics in use today, and this is causing a major health problem. However, a remarkable range of new antibiotics, called cationic antimicrobial peptides, is attracting increasing interest as a key weapon in the fight against bacterial infection. Chickenpox vaccine could save children's lives and prevent shingles in later life 09 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology British children's lives might be saved by being routinely vaccinated for chickenpox, according to Dr Anne Gershon, speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh today. Threat of bioterrorism- real or imagined? 08 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Until a few years ago the threat to use microbes as biological weapons was practically ignored by doctors and scientists working in medicine and public health. Today there is every reason to believe that the threat of bioterrorism is not only real but is growing, according to Washington based public health expert Professor Donald Henderson, speaking in an invited lecture at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh. Blood poisoning vaccine ready for human trials 08 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology A combined British and US research team has developed the world's first vaccine against endotoxin, which is a key cause of blood poisoning and death after major surgery for cancer or heart disease. The announcement was made at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh. Harnessing microbes to kill cancer 08 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology An ingenious new way to attack cancer tumours is being developed by medical researchers from Nottingham as part of an EU consortium, the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh heard. Safe vaccine to combat herpes infections 08 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology The unpleasant and painful sores, and infection of newborn babies caused by the genital herpes virus could soon be a thing of the past according to Dr Julian Hickling, who is presenting results from Xenova Research Ltd to the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh Antibiotic resistance and gene transfer 07 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology The way antibiotic resistance spreads and possible problems from genes transferring have been identified by researchers from the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, in new evidence about the way genes pass from one bacteria to another. The research is presented by Dr Karen Scott at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh. Artificial vaccines offer hope to prevent diseases 07 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology New work on artificially constructed viruses offers the hope of effective vaccines for devastating diseases in the future, according to researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in work presented at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburgh. Risk of blood poisoning rises as medical treatment improves 07 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Living longer and better medical treatments such as organ transplants and cancer therapy are all paradoxically increasing our risk of blood poisoning, according to experts in bacterial infections speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Meeting in Edinburg. Safer flu vaccine in cold conditions 07 April 2003 - Society for General Microbiology Using cold temperatures could help make quicker, cheaper and safer influenza vaccines, according to Dr Alison Whiteley at the Society for General Microbiology's Annual Meeting in Edinburg. Microbes use sunscreens too! 19 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Microbes can withstand extreme levels of atmospheric ultraviolet light by producing their own sunscreens. Unlike humans, some bugs may even be able to survive without any help from the ozone layer scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Gene mutations, possible link to meningitis 19 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Gene mutations may account for a third of all meningococcal meningitis in the UK scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Don't smoke while feeding the birds: new research on lung disease 18 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists are developing a method that could prevent lung infections in people who smoke, according to a paper presented at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Catch MRSA infections while they're young 17 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Laboratory studies showing how communities of MRSA bacteria build up on catheters could lead to improved treatments for hospital acquired infections, according to a paper presented at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Helping good bacteria win the war on dental disease 16 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Good bacteria growing in dental plaque could help fight off bugs that cause gum disease and tooth decay if they are given a competitive edge, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Dental plaque: a breeding ground for antibiotic resistance 16 September 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Gene swapping is taking place on your gums as the bacteria in dental plaque trade-up on newer antibiotic resistance genes, according to research at the Society for General Microbiology autumn meeting at Loughborough University. Teachers discover bacteria prefer milk chocolate 17 July 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Bacteria prefer milk chocolate to dark chocolate and will swim towards it on an agar plate, so teachers have found out at a summer school run by the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Reading. The experiment is one of a series of A-level practicals currently being produced for teachers by the Society. Childless bacteria make better workers 17 June 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Preventing microbes from reproducing is a new concept that has the potential to manufacture large quantities of important pharmaceutical proteins, according to an article in the May issue of Microbiology Today magazine from the Society for General Microbiology. Improving the immune system using 'chatty' bacteria 10 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Certain helpful bacteria are able to communicate with cells lining the gut causing the production of chemicals that can kill off harmful microbes when they try to invade, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Helping the aged gut replace good bacteria may reduce cancer risk 10 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Eating certain foods can increase the number of protective microbes in the gut. These bacteria help prevent food poisoning and can reduce levels of some toxic chemicals that may cause cancer, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Pneumonia in transplant patients can be avoided 10 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Life-threatening pneumonia in bone marrow transplant patients can be controlled using a strategy called pre-emptive therapy, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Bacteria change 'fingerprints' and baffle detectives 09 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Tracing the source of a campylobacter food poisoning outbreak can be very difficult even with modern DNA fingerprinting methods. There is now evidence that campylobacters can rearrange their DNA, disguising their fingerprint, and confusing such detective work, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Vaccine could cut complications after surgery 09 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology A vaccine has been developed, which could prevent inflammation and illness caused by certain bacterial infections following major surgery, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Protein research could lead to new meningitis vaccine 09 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology New technology is leading to a vaccine against Group B Streptococci, a common cause of meningitis as well as a frequent cause of pneumonia in newborns. Key proteins have been found that can kick-start the immune system to fight these bacteria, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. HIV in the nervous system - still a cause for concern? 09 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology HIV infection can be controlled with antiretroviral drugs, but it cannot be wiped out. New evidence suggests that low levels of HIV may still lead to long-term brain damage and dementia, scientists heard at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Seek and destroy vaccines for meningitis outdated 08 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology The ability of meningococci bacteria to change their cell surface proteins could reduce the effectiveness of the current meningitis C vaccine. Now scientists are working on vaccines that would allow us to co-exist happily with these microbes, according to research presented at the Spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Vaccine puts blood-sucking ticks off their food 08 April 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Ticks spread a greater variety of diseases than any other blood-feeding creature, including mosquitoes. Now scientists are developing vaccines that prevent ticks from digesting the blood of their animal or human victim, according to research presented at the spring meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick. Uprooting and replanting the tree of life 14 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology A new theory on the evolution of ancient microbes is set to challenge widespread scientific views of early life on earth and could overturn previous interpretations of the huge bank of molecular taxonomic data that has been built up in recent years, according to research published today in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Destruction of fruit bats' habitat could spread disease 11 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology New agricultural developments are destroying the habitats of protected fruit bat species in Australia, and could lead to the spread of deadly viral diseases to humans and farm animals, medical experts heard during a joint meeting of the European Societies of Clinical and Veterinary Virology and the Society for General Microbiology at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Blocking nerve cells delays onset of prion disease 10 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology A chemical that specifically blocks parts of the nervous system can delay the onset of scrapie and could lead to new drugs to prevent vCJD and BSE, medical experts heard during a joint meeting of the European Societies of Clinical and Veterinary Virology and the Society for General Microbiology at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Blocking nerve cells delays onset of prion disease. Virus may contribute to certain psychiatric disorders 09 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology A virus that causes a fatal brain disease in horses and sheep may be linked to certain mental disorders in man, medical experts heard during a joint meeting of the European Societies of Clinical and Veterinary Virology and the Society for General Microbiology at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Predicting the pandemic - staying one step ahead of influenza 09 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Studies to identify which influenza virus strains are present in pigs and chickens could help scientists to predict the next human pandemic strain and develop new, more effective, vaccines medical experts heard during a joint meeting of the European Societies of Clinical and Veterinary Virology and the Society for General Microbiology at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Putting a stop to antibiotic resistance with new drugs from seaweed 07 January 2002 - Society for General Microbiology Scientists have found a new way to prevent life-threatening infections not by killing the bacteria but by preventing them from talking to each other, according to research published today in the journal Microbiology. 'We've found that a group of chemicals called furanones can prevent the build up of communities of bacteria on surfaces such as surgical implants and in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients,' says Dr Michael Givskov of the Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen. Can acne protect against cancer? 01 November 2001 - Society for General Microbiology Acne is the scourge of teenagers everywhere, but according to an article published in the November issue of the magazine Microbiology Today the bacteria which cause this disease may protect sufferers from other infections and cancer in later life. Dr Anne Eady of the Skin Research Centre at the University of Leeds says in the article 'there may be advantages to having acne. The presence of propionibacteria on the skin triggers an immune response, which may constitute a first line immune defence system against infections and cancer.'

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