Tag

Biofilm

All articles tagged with #biofilm

health23 hours ago•4 min saved

Tongue care pays off: cleaning your tongue can improve breath and oral health

Experts say tongue cleaning should be part of daily oral hygiene because biofilm collects on the tongue and can contribute to bad breath and potentially gum disease or other health issues. Use a metal tongue scraper when possible, replace tools every three months, and clean the tongue twice daily with gentle strokes. Avoid overcleaning to prevent tongue injury; mouthwash can freshen breath (prefer alcohol-free). Check the tongue’s sides for signs of oral cancer and seek professional advice if anythingLooks unusual. Moderation is key as research on the oral microbiome continues.

via The Guardian|

#bad-breath #biofilm #dental-hygiene

science2 months ago•3 min saved

Bacteria Inside Kidney Stones Rewrite How Stones Form

A UCLA-led study finds calcium oxalate kidney stones harbor bacteria and even internal biofilm, suggesting microbes may contribute to stone formation rather than stones forming purely by chemistry. This challenges the view that stones are noninfectious and implies infections in the kidney, ureter, or bladder could drive recurrence; targeting the microbial environment may reduce future stones. Findings come from electron and fluorescence microscopy of human stones and were published in PNAS (2026).

via ScienceAlert|

#bacteria #biofilm #calcium-oxalate

science2 months ago•20 min saved

Far-Red Light Triggers Tiny Protein to Silence Biofilms in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

A Nature Communications study reports that far-red light activates the periplasmic microprotein DimA in antibiotic‑resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, triggering a cascade that represses biofilm formation and reduces virulence; virulence promoters are not activated under far-red light, and bacteria with disrupted photosensing showed higher virulence, suggesting a potential light‑based approach to complement antibiotics. The researchers also hint at overexpressing DimA to further prevent biofilm formation.

via Ground News|

#biofilm #dima #far-red-light

environment3 months ago•5 min saved

Tips for effectively cleaning your reusable water bottle

Reusable water bottles can harbor bacteria, viruses, and biofilm if not cleaned properly. Experts recommend washing bottles daily with soap or a diluted bleach solution, cleaning all parts including lids and straws, and drying thoroughly to prevent microbial growth. Using hot water and avoiding antimicrobial soaps are advised, and choosing metal or glass bottles can inhibit bacterial development. Regular cleaning is essential, especially after illness, to prevent reinfection and maintain hygiene.

via The Guardian|

#biofilm #cleaning #environment

science6 months ago•2 min saved

Microplastics: The Hidden Threat to Our Health and Environment

A study reveals that microplastics can harbor drug-resistant bacteria within biofilms, raising concerns about environmental pollution and its impact on human health, with efforts needed to reduce plastic use and fund further research.

via Yahoo|

#antibiotic-resistance #biofilm #environmental-pollution

health7 months ago•3 min saved

Germs and Bacteria: Uncovering Hidden Triggers of Heart Attacks

New research indicates that bacterial biofilms within arterial plaques may contribute to heart attacks by releasing bacteria that trigger immune responses and inflammation, potentially opening new avenues for prevention and treatment such as antibiotics or vaccines.

via Gizmodo|

#arterial-plaques #bacteria #biofilm

health7 months ago•2 min saved

Infections and Bacteria: Uncovering New Causes of Heart Attacks

A groundbreaking study suggests that heart attacks may be caused by bacterial biofilms within arterial plaques, which can be activated by infections, leading to inflammation and plaque rupture, opening new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through vaccines.

via ScienceDaily|

#atherosclerosis #biofilm #health

health7 months ago•4 min saved

Germs in the Mouth May Play a Key Role in Heart Attacks

A new study suggests that bacteria from the mouth, particularly viridans streptococci, may enter arterial plaques, form biofilms, and contribute to inflammation and plaque rupture, potentially increasing the risk of heart attacks. While this does not imply causation, it highlights a possible link between oral health and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of good dental hygiene alongside traditional cardiovascular risk management.

via Earth.com|

#arterial-plaque #biofilm #health

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Promising breakthrough in fighting tooth decay discovered by Israeli study

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University, together with international collaborators, have discovered that a synthesized molecule called Diindolylmethane (DIM) can reduce the ability of Streptococcus bacteria to produce biofilm by 90%, thereby preventing the bacteria from establishing themselves on teeth and reducing the likelihood of tooth decay. Derived from certain plants in the cruciferous family, DIM could potentially be added to toothpaste and mouthwash to improve oral and dental hygiene.

via Ynetnews|

#bacteria #biofilm #diindolylmethane-dim