All articles tagged with #biofilms
Scientists thawed 40,000-year-old microbes from an Alaska permafrost tunnel and found them awakening after six months, forming biofilms and indicating life can resume after long dormancy; this slow reactivation could release carbon dioxide and methane as permafrost thaws, complicating climate models.
Lab tests show tormentil root extracts from bogland inhibit growth of antibiotic‑resistant bacteria, reduce biofilm formation, and boost the effectiveness of the antibiotic colistin at low doses. The active compounds ellagic acid and agrimoniin appear to work by iron chelation, starving bacteria of a key nutrient and hindering growth, pointing to a potential plant‑derived route to new antimicrobials and combination therapies.
New research on bogland plants from Ireland finds tormentil extracts inhibit bacteria and biofilm formation, and can enhance the effectiveness of the last-resort antibiotic colistin; compounds like ellagic acid and agrimoniin may work by iron chelation, pointing to plant-derived antimicrobials as a potential aid against drug-resistant infections, with further formulation work underway.
A study screening bogland plants found tormentil (Potentilla erecta) extracts to be antimicrobial, to limit biofilm formation, and to enhance the effectiveness of the last-resort antibiotic colistin when used together, via compounds like ellagic acid and agrimoniin that appear to work by iron chelation; this highlights plant compounds as sources of new antimicrobials and antibiotic adjuvants amid rising antimicrobial resistance.
A Plymouth Marine Laboratory–Exeter study shows microplastics act as mobile surfaces for microbial communities, forming dense biofilms (the Plastisphere) that carry antibiotic‑resistance genes and potentially resistant pathogens. These plastics can transport microbes from hospital wastewater to rivers and oceans, with downstream and marine environments showing higher resistance gene levels, especially on polystyrene and nurdles. The findings highlight the need for closer monitoring of microplastics, reducing plastic pollution, and careful handling during beach cleanups to protect ecosystems and human health.
A UCLA-led study finds live bacteria and biofilms inside calcium oxalate kidney stones, the most common type, suggesting microbes may actively contribute to stone formation and offering new avenues for treatments that target the stones’ microbial component.
Researchers propose that life began in prebiotic gels—soft, structured matrices on early Earth that fostered chemical evolution toward protocells, via either phase separation or proto-films, within a protective, biofilm-like environment that shielded and shared resources. This gel-first view broadens the search for alien life to gel-based structures and challenges the traditional cell-first narrative.
Researchers studying water beneath Fukushima’s reactors found bacteria thriving in radioactive conditions not thanks to classic radiation resistance but likely because protective biofilms form on metal surfaces; some microbes can cause metal corrosion, complicating cleanup efforts, and scientists speculate marine bacteria may have ridden in with the 2011 tsunami, revealing unexpected life in extreme environments.
A Danish study from Aarhus University suggests that increasing arginine levels in saliva can shift mouth biofilms from acid-producing to protective, reducing tooth decay risk. In a real-world denture-biofilm setup, arginine treatment raised pH after sugar exposure, altered the bacterial and sugar composition, and reduced acid-producing Streptococcus populations, though responses varied among individuals. Arginine appears safe and could be explored as an additive in toothpaste or mouthwash, warranting further clinical research.
A new study suggests that bacteria from the mouth, particularly oral streptococci, may play a direct role in triggering heart attacks by colonizing arterial plaques and causing inflammation, highlighting the importance of oral health for cardiovascular health.
High-performance coatings are crucial in enhancing the functionality and durability of various technologies, from jet engines to space equipment. These coatings allow materials to withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and low gravity, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Researchers are continuously developing advanced coatings to address challenges like biofilm formation in space and non-stick solutions in manufacturing. However, the effectiveness of coatings can vary, and incorrect applications can lead to significant financial losses.
Bacteria often form biofilms, slimy aggregates held together by DNA and proteins, which make them highly resistant to antibiotics and immune cells. Biofilms are responsible for 60% of human bacterial infections and can cause significant economic burdens. Researchers are exploring various strategies to combat biofilms, including the use of bacteriophages, cold plasma, and DNABII-targeting antibodies. These approaches show promise in disrupting biofilms and restoring vulnerability to antibiotics, potentially revolutionizing treatment options for bacterial infections.
Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) have been studying kombucha cultures to assess their resilience in space and have found that they hold great promise for supporting humans on the Moon and Mars. The multi-species mixes of bacteria and yeast in kombucha can form biofilms, which are able to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation. These biofilms could potentially be used to shield organisms during longer space journeys and could also generate oxygen, making them self-sustaining life support systems for space settlements. The study of these microorganisms could also help develop radiation-protection strategies for astronauts and prevent contamination between Earth and other planets.
Microbes that hitchhike on astronauts and cargo flights to the International Space Station (ISS) can pose a risk to astronaut health and equipment. These microbes form biofilms, which protect them and allow them to evade the body's defense system. However, a surface treatment using a silicon-based lubricant has shown promise in preventing biofilm formation on ISS surfaces. This solution could be crucial for long-term space missions and also has potential applications in keeping medical devices clean and reducing microbe-driven corrosion on Earth.
Scientists from the University of Colorado, MIT, and NASA Ames Research Center have discovered a potential solution to the International Space Station's biofilm problem. By covering surfaces with a thin layer of nucleic acids, they were able to prevent bacterial growth and reduce microbial formation by 74% in terrestrial samples and 86% in space station samples. The nucleic acids carried a slight negative electric charge that prevented microbes from sticking to surfaces. However, longer-duration tests are recommended to determine the long-term effectiveness of this method.