Tag Archives: Resistance

Ancient Origins of Antibiotic Resistance in Microorganisms: Insights from Recent Review

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The emergence of antibiotic resistance genes presents a significant and escalating threat to global public health. A comprehensive review from scientists at Hohai University delves into the evolutionary origins, ecological factors contributing to the spread and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes, and their broader environmental implications.

The evolution of antibiotic resistance genes is linked to unique physiological roles and ecological compartmentalization. Image credit: Xu et al., doi: 10.48130/biocontam-0025-0014.

Antibiotic resistance genes have become one of the most critical global challenges to public health, increasingly spreading across interconnected environments involving humans, animals, and the ecosystem.

These genes have been identified in some of the most pristine and extreme habitats on Earth, such as the depths of the Mariana Trench and ancient permafrost deposits, where they have remained unaffected by human-induced antibiotic exposure.

This pervasive distribution indicates that these bacteria evolved their antibiotic resistance capabilities millions of years before antibiotics were ever utilized in clinical or agricultural contexts.

“Antibiotic resistance is not a modern phenomenon,” states Guxiang You, Ph.D., corresponding author of the review.

“Many resistance genes initially evolved to enable bacterial survival under environmental stresses, long before the advent of antibiotics.”

“The pressing danger today is that human activities are disrupting natural barriers, facilitating the spread of these genes to harmful pathogens.”

“Many resistance genes stem from common bacterial genes that perform essential roles, such as the excretion of toxic substances or nutrient transport,” the researchers elucidated.

“Over time, these genes have acquired protective capabilities against antibiotics as a secondary feature.”

In natural ecosystems like soils and lakes, most resistance genes tend to remain confined within specific microbial communities, posing minimal risk to human health.

“The primary reason for this containment is genomic incompatibility,” they noted.

“Bacteria with significant genetic variations often cannot easily exchange and utilize resistance genes.”

“This natural genetic mismatch serves as a biological firewall, limiting the transmission of resistance across different species and habitats.”

“However, human actions are compromising this firewall.”

In their review, the authors emphasize how agriculture, wastewater discharge, urbanization, and global trade are increasing connectivity between once-isolated environments.

Antibiotics used in medicine and livestock create intense selection pressures, while fertilizer use, wastewater recycling, and pollution foster the interaction of bacteria from soil, animals, and humans.

These factors facilitate the infiltration of resistance genes into disease-causing microbes.

“Human-induced changes in habitat connectivity alter everything,” explained Dr. Yi Xu, the lead author.

“When bacteria from disparate environments come into repeated contact under antibiotic pressure, previously harmless resistance genes can transform into a significant public health menace.”

“Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as crucial hotspots where high bacterial populations and antibiotic residues promote genetic exchange.”

“Agricultural lands enriched with fertilizers also serve as conduits, enabling resistance genes to transfer from livestock to environmental bacteria and ultimately back to humans via food, water, or direct contact.”

Critically, scientists note that not all resistance genes pose equal threats.

High environmental abundance does not automatically equate to high risk.

Identifying which genes are mobile, compatible with human pathogens, and linked to diseases is vital for effective monitoring and control efforts.

Researchers advocate for ecosystem-centered approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.

Proposed strategies include minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use, enhancing wastewater treatment methods, meticulously managing fertilizers and sludge, and safeguarding relatively untouched ecosystems that offer a baseline for natural resistance levels.

“Antibiotic resistance extends beyond being solely a medical issue,” remarked Dr. Yu.

“It is deeply connected to ecological factors and our interactions with the environment.”

“To preserve antibiotics for future generations, we must maintain the integrity of our current ecosystems.”

“By incorporating evolutionary biology, microbial ecology, and environmental science, the One Health approach provides a pragmatic pathway to tackle one of the greatest health challenges we face today.”

Source: review published in the Online Journal on December 5, 2025, Biological Contaminants.

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Yi Shu et al. 2025. Evolutionary origins, environmental factors, and consequences of the proliferation and spread of antibiotic resistance genes: A “One Health” perspective. Biological Contaminants 1: e014; doi: 10.48130/biocontam-0025-0014

Source: www.sci.news

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review: A Durable Foldable Smartphone with Enhanced Dust Resistance

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Google has introduced its third-generation foldable phone, now the first completely waterproof and dustproof model on the market. It’s touted as being more robust than any existing phone, featuring cutting-edge AI and a collection of adaptive cameras.


The Pixel 10 Pro Fold enhances last year’s highly praised 9 Pro Fold by eliminating the hinge mechanism along the spine. This improvement addresses the dust issue that has plagued previous foldable devices, thereby elevating its usability beyond that of typical flat phones.

However, similar to other foldable smartphones, the Pixel comes with a hefty price tag of £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/AU$2,699), significantly higher than the £1,199 Pixel 10 Pro XL and comparable to the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.




According to Google, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s innovative gearless hinge can endure over ten years of folding. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Beyond the enhanced durability, there are minimal design modifications compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outer display is marginally larger due to slimmer bezels, and both screens are a bit brighter. When closed, the Fold is perfectly shaped for mobile tasks, while its spacious internal screen elegantly accommodates two full-sized apps side-by-side.

Nonetheless, the Pixel feels quite hefty and somewhat bulky in contrast to Samsung’s unexpectedly slim and lightweight Z Fold 7. Weighing in at 258g, it’s comfortable to handle and fits in your pocket, yet remains notably thicker than standard phones and its modern competitors.




The inclusion of Qi2 charging compatibility enhances its versatility with various magnetic accessories, including the Superior Magnetic Accessories. Twelve South Curve Nano stand (left) and QDOS SnapStand Qi2 Charger (right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Google Tensor G5 chip utilized across the Pixel 10 lineup, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Its performance aligns with that of the Pixel 10 Pro, providing snappy responsiveness and managing tasks effortlessly. Nonetheless, for the top frame rates in high-end gaming, a device with Qualcomm’s premier Snapdragon chip has an advantage.

As with all foldable models, the Fold’s battery life shifts significantly based on which display you predominantly use. With approximately 5 hours of active screen time on a bright day, evenly split between the inner and outer displays while mostly on Wi-Fi, the Pixel achieved around 38-40 hours between charges. On heavily 5G days with extensive screen usage, it lasted about 28 hours, concluding the day with 25% battery remaining. While this isn’t unacceptable, it certainly lags behind its top competitors and larger screens such as the Pixel 10 Pro XL.




To achieve a full charge, it takes 90 minutes and reaches 50% in just 30 minutes with a 30W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately). It also supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Off-screen: 6.4 inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED (408ppi)

  • In the screen: 8 inch 120Hz OLED (373ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto, 2 x 10MP selfie cameras

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, UWB, Thread, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters)

  • Dimensions when folded: 155.2×76.3×10.8mm

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 155.2×150.4×5.2mm

  • Weight: 258g

Android 16, Magic Cue, Gemini




If you’re running two apps simultaneously on your screen, you can slide one out of the way for additional space. Tap it to restore the app to full screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Android 16 software found across the Pixel 10 Pro lineup, featuring a vibrant and colorful exterior while integrating advanced AI tools throughout the device.

Key features include the Gemini chatbot, which can observe and interpret user interactions, engage with different apps, and overall provide greater utility. Additionally, there’s an innovative real-time translation system for calls, replicating the caller’s voice directly.

A notable addition is Magic Cue, a discreet assistant that functions in the background, synthesizing information from various Google services and presenting it when pertinent. For example, if a friend texts asking for flight details, it can suggest corresponding information from your calendar for easy sharing. Likewise, when contacting a business, relevant order details from Gmail are displayed in your phone app.

Moreover, the Fold has been optimized to fully utilize the expansive internal display. A taskbar at the bottom facilitates quick app placement into split screen mode. Similar to the Honor Magic V5 and OnePlus Open, it allows for resizing apps across the screen’s borders, offering increased adaptability when multitasking with two apps.

The Fold also includes subscriptions for Google AI Pro at £19 a month for the first year, granting access to more robust Gemini AI models along with 2TB of cloud storage for photos, documents, and emails. The device is also eligible for software updates until October 2032.

Sustainability




The recycled aluminum framework offers a premium and sturdy feel. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is rated to endure over 1,000 full charging cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone can be repaired by Google, at third-party services, or through self-repair options with available manuals.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comprises 29% recycled materials by weight, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. The company provides insights on the lifecycle impacts of its products in its report and offers to recycle old devices for free.

Camera




The camera application offers multiple functionality modes, but shooting images is most efficient when the Pixel is closed, much like a traditional smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro Fold features a camera system comparable to last year’s 9 Pro Fold and the new Pixel 10. It includes a 48MP primary camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera that can outperform rivals in its class, along with two 10MP selfie cameras.

The primary camera captures excellent images across various conditions, though some blurriness and graininess may occur in low-light scenarios. Google’s Night Mode remains the industry’s best for darker environments. The ultra-wide-angle camera performs well, and the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens effectively closes distances to subjects, although detail may falter in less-than-ideal lighting. While the camera consistently delivers high-quality photos and videos, it doesn’t entirely meet the high standards expected from the Pixel 10 Pro line at this price point.

The Fold comes with unique features such as the ability to utilize the main camera for selfies, alongside various shooting modes that engage both displays while at a partially folded position. A captivating “Made You Look” option plays a lively animation on the outer screen that captures your child’s attention, allowing you to seize the perfect moment. Regrettably, this feature employs one of the selfie cameras instead of the primary one, prioritizing fun over quality.

Price

Pricing for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/2,699 AUD).

For reference, the Pixel 10 is priced at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at £1,199. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 retails for £1,799, while the Honor Magic V5 is available for £1,699.99.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents a subtle improvement over last year’s exceptional 9 Pro Fold, but its true influence may unfold in the future. As the first genuinely dustproof foldable device, it establishes a new durability standard, gradually aligning itself with conventional flat phones.

That said, the inner screen is inherently softer than regular tempered glass to accommodate folding, necessitating careful handling to avoid marks.

The addition of Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging support is a valuable enhancement for the Fold, as it is across other Pixel models. This phone offers impressive speed, reasonable battery life, efficient software, and leading-edge AI capabilities. The camera is competent for foldable devices, though it doesn’t quite match up to regular smartphones.

The Pixel does a commendable job of functioning as a standard phone when closed and a versatile tablet when expanded, though it is bulkier and heavier than the noticeably sleeker Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Pros: Combines the functionality of a phone and tablet, waterproof and dust resistant, supports Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging, fantastic tablet display, powerful performance, excellent camera with 5x zoom, rich AI features including Magic Cue, accompanied by a year of Google AI Pro service, and 7 years of software updates.

Cons: High price point, more fragile than standard devices, costly repairs, thicker and heavier, the camera doesn’t rival the regular Pixel 10 Pro, battery performance could improve, and lacks advanced features for power users in comparison to competitors.




In its closed form, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold approximates the size of an ordinary smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Trio for Contributions to Immune Resistance

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Mary Blankku, Fred Ramsdell, and Sato Shimajimajima have been announced as winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine by Committee Executive Director Thomas Perman.

Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to three groundbreaking researchers: Mary Blank, Fred Ramsdel, and Shimon Sakaguchi. They have made significant discoveries regarding a unique type of immune cell that prevents the immune system from attacking its own body.

“We have opened up an entirely new area in immunology,” stated Marie Warren Hellenius from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

T cells, a type of immune cell, are crucial for detecting and neutralizing harmful viruses and bacteria. These cells are continuously produced throughout a person’s life.

At times, newly formed T cell receptors may mistakenly target the body’s own proteins instead of those from viruses or bacteria, resulting in autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

The body possesses mechanisms to eliminate autoreactive T cells, with newly generated ones migrating to the thymus for evaluation. This has long been believed to be the sole process for the removal of self-targeting T cells.

Yet in 1995, Sakaguchi, now at Osaka University, demonstrated through a mouse study that other circulating cells in the bloodstream must provide some form of protection against autoreactive T cells. When the thymus is removed post-birth, mice develop autoimmune conditions; however, this outcome is averted when healthy T cells are introduced. His research identified that these particular T cells feature the CD25 protein on their surface, thereby classifying them as CD25-regulated T cells.

Meanwhile, Blankku, currently affiliated with the Institute of Systems Biology in Seattle, and Ramsdell, who advises Sonoma Bitherapeutics in San Francisco, studied mouse strains predisposed to autoimmune diseases. In 2001, Brunkow and Ramsdell identified that these mice possess mutations in a gene located on the X chromosome, specifically FOXP3.

Individuals with mutations in this gene are particularly susceptible to autoimmune disorders due to a condition known as IPEX syndrome. In 2003, Sakaguchi connected these findings, showing that the FOXP3 gene is integral to the development of the CD25-regulated cells his team had identified. Many researchers previously remained skeptical of Sakaguchi’s assertions, according to Warren Hellenius. However, the findings from Brunkow and Ramsdell solidified the case.

The discovery of regulatory T cells could pave the way for improved treatments across a variety of conditions. Increasing the presence of regulatory T cells may help mitigate autoimmune responses that lead to diseases like type 1 diabetes. Conversely, reducing these cells can amplify the immune system’s response against cancer. Numerous clinical trials are currently being conducted.

“Their discoveries have been fundamental in understanding the workings of the immune system and explaining why serious autoimmune diseases don’t universally develop,” remarked Orkenpe, the chairman of the Nobel Committee, in a statement.

Topics:

  • Immune system/
  • Nobel Prize

Source: www.newscientist.com

Resistance Training Could Enhance Gut Microbiota Health

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Strength training

Strength training can support your gut microbiome

Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

While noticeable muscle growth, like bulging biceps, is a clear advantage of weightlifting, research indicates that strength training can also be beneficial for your gut microbiota.

No singular cluster of microorganisms ensures good health, yet certain compositions are linked with enhanced medical outcomes, including a stronger immune system and healthier aging. Key players include faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Rose Buria Hominis, all of which generate short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid that support the intestinal lining and combat inflammation.

While diet is undeniably significant, studies suggest that aerobic exercise—like cycling and running—can create an environment favorable for these microbial species to thrive. This may occur via improved blood flow, hormonal shifts, or metabolic by-products associated with physical activity, including lactic acid. Research on resistance training has yielded mixed results; some studies indicate significant changes, while others show negligible effects. “Current research is somewhat limited,” notes Matieu Krauss from the Norwegian Sports Science School in Oslo.

For clarity, Sven Nahnsen, from the University of Tübingen in Germany, along with his team, studied a sizable group of 150 sedentary adults who underwent an eight-week training regimen that included a variety of resistance exercises like lateral pulls, seated rows, chest presses, and leg curls.

In contrast to past research, participants utilized an “intelligent” machine that automatically adjusted weights and range of motion based on individual performance, thereby keeping a meticulous record of progress. “The data is precise as every lift is digitally documented,” shares Nahnsen.

Prior to starting, and at intervals during the program, participants submitted stool samples, which researchers analyzed for genetic and metabolic fingerprints of commonly found gut microorganisms.

Across the group, there was no average alteration in microbiome composition post-program. The outcome seemed to vary based on each individual’s training response, showing a correlation between increased intensity and microbiota changes.

High-achieving participants who reaped significant muscle strength benefits exhibited an increased percentage of faecalibacterium and Rose Buria Hominis by the program’s conclusion. “These species were more abundant in those who gained substantially more strength,” summarized Nahnsen.

The reasons why some individuals responded better to the training compared to others remain ambiguous. One might assume it relates to their effort, yet compliance levels were similar across low and high performers. An alternative explanation could be that successful participants altered their diets following their exercise routines. This lifestyle adjustment could reasonably influence both microbiota and muscle strength. However, despite attempts to account for this through dietary assessments, researchers found no substantial differences in food intake, “a factor we couldn’t completely discount,” according to Nahnsen.

Another intriguing prospect is that the microorganisms themselves may partially facilitate the improvements in strength. In high-performing individuals, changes in the microbiome may enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids, enabling muscles to better respond to the eight-week training regimen. However, Nahnsen emphasizes that this warrants further investigation.

He aspires that this research will serve as a foundation for exploring potential mechanisms. “Our goal was to establish a ‘dictionary’ of microorganisms likely affected by resistance training to assist other researchers in uncovering the mechanisms,” he stated. Strategies to promote beneficial shifts in the microbiota post-training could represent a novel approach to enhancing exercise’s health benefits and sports performance.

It’s worth noting that the trial did not include a control group of participants who remained inactive. Nevertheless, Klaus, who did not participate in the study, is optimistic about the findings. “These results reinforce the idea that exercise positively impacts gut health, regardless of the specific type, and highlight that resistance training can induce microbiome-related changes tied to specific health benefits,” he remarked. “This underscores the importance of integrating both endurance and resistance training into health promotion strategies aimed at improving microbiome health.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ash Trees Are Adapting Quickly and Showing Some Resistance to Ash Blight

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Certain ash trees exhibit genetic variations that offer partial resistance to ash dieback

FLPA/Alamy

British ash trees are evolving resistant traits to combat ash dieback, evident from DNA sequences found in numerous specimens.

This discovery is promising, according to Richard Buggs at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, although complete resistance in ash trees is not anticipated soon. “A breeding program may be necessary to assist nature in this process,” he states.

Ash dieback, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, progressively impairs the tree’s capacity to transport water. It began its spread across Europe in the 1990s and made its way to the UK in 2012.

The demise of ash trees leads to increased carbon dioxide release and threatens various species that depend on these trees for their ecosystem. Additionally, fallen trees pose risks to people and property. “There are numerous ash trees close to footpaths and roads, creating significant hazards,” Buggs notes.

Buggs’ team compared genomes of 128 adult European ash trees. Since fungi take considerably longer to kill mature trees than younger ones (Fraxinus excelsior), this also included 458 seedlings at a location called Marden Park in Surrey. They discovered thousands of variations previously linked to resistance were more prevalent in younger trees, likely because those without such variations perished.

This study provides the most comprehensive genetic insight into evolutionary responses observed in nature. “The significance of this research is its ability to characterize the genetic foundation and demonstrate the changes occurring within a single generation,” Buggs explains.

However, each gene variant offers only a marginal effect, failing to provide complete resistance. As the older ash trees diminish and fungal spores decrease, the rate of evolutionary change may also slow in the future. This indicates that younger ash trees might have better survival prospects, Buggs suggests.

“It poses a major challenge, but these trees won’t vanish entirely,” he remarks. “Our findings inspire hope that some of these younger ash trees may mature and undergo natural selection for subsequent generations, if feasible.”

Ash dieback has yet to invade North America; however, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been introduced, actively decimating ash tree populations there. The outcome of both ash dieback and the emerald ash borer coexisting in the same region remains uncertain but might exacerbate the issue.

“Globalization is mixing insects and pathogens across the globe, leading to increasing challenges for these trees, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to adapt,” Buggs states. “Trees now face threats they have never experienced before, and at unprecedented speeds.”

He believes interventions are essential to help trees withstand these pressures, such as creating resistant hybrids between resilient species and native trees.

“One potential solution is to enhance the genetic diversity of trees globally, keeping pace with the array of pests and pathogens we are spreading,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Amid RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Advocacy, Resistance to mRNA Therapy Intensifies

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Utah and Tennessee have enacted laws mandating that foods containing vaccines be categorized as drugs, despite the fact that such products are not currently available. Legislators reference a University of California study that investigates the possibility of incorporating vaccines into lettuce.

“We’ll consume this batch of lettuce, take these mRNA vaccines, and then retest the DNA. The results will likely differ. This poses a risk.”

In reality, mRNA vaccines cannot alter genetic material because they do not interact with the cell nucleus, where DNA is located. While small amounts of DNA may be present in all vaccines—similar to what can be found in influenza vaccines—the Food and Drug Administration enforces strict limitations, typically rendering these levels negligible. Researchers have been exploring mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer for years, dating back to the 1990s with mice, and human trials since the early 2000s. Vaccines containing live viruses have recognized side effects; mRNA vaccines generally experience fewer adverse reactions compared to traditional vaccines.

“mRNA is not a foreign agent. It is something we are regularly exposed to,” stated Melissamua, Chief Science Officer at Moderna, the producer of the COVID vaccine. “Every time you consume whole foods, meat, or vegetables, you ingest substantial amounts of mRNA, which your body degrades and utilizes.”

Even should the bill fail to pass, its advocates assert they are in it for the long haul. Last month, Minnesota Republicans introduced a proposal to classify mRNA products as weapons of mass destruction, adding them to a list including natural PO, charcoal, bacteria, and mustard gas. This initiative mirrored the language of a bill drafted by Florida hypnotist Joseph Santhorne. In his newsletter, Mr. Santhorne lauded local Republican groups for passing resolutions supporting the ban and urged his followers to participate in political events to confront officials.

“It ‘punches them in their eyes,'” he remarked. “It carries significant psychological impact.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Newly discovered species reveals secrets of tardigrade radiation resistance

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Newly discovered tardigrade species using genome, transcriptome and proteome analysis Hypsibius henanensis scientists investigated the molecular basis that contributes to radioresistance in these small invertebrates.

Schematic diagram of the mechanism conferring radiation resistance Hypsibius henanensis. Image credit: Li others., doi: 10.1126/science.adl0799.

Tardigrades, also known as tardigrades or moss piglets, are a diverse group of microscopic invertebrates famous for their ability to withstand extreme conditions.

First discovered in 1773, these organisms can live for up to 60 years, grow up to 0.5 mm in size, and are best seen under a microscope.

They can survive in temperatures as low as -272 degrees Celsius (-457 degrees Fahrenheit) or as hot as 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit), and temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius for several minutes, and for up to 30 years without food or water. Masu. Minus 4 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) continues for decades.

It can withstand pressures from virtually 0 atmospheres in outer space to 1,200 atmospheres at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

They also exhibit excellent resistance to ionizing radiation, withstanding doses of gamma rays as high as 3,000 to 5,000 grays (Gy), approximately 1,000 times the lethal dose for humans.

The mechanism of radioresistance in tardigrades remains largely unknown.

Previous studies investigating how they do this have shown that tardigrades have powerful DNA repair abilities.

They also express tardigrade-specific proteins called damage suppressors (Dsup), when expressed in human cells, protects DNA from radiation damage.

In a new study, Lei Li and colleagues at Qingdao University describe a new species of tardigrade. Hypsibius henanensis.

Through detailed morphological and molecular analyses, they also investigated the basis of radioresistance in this species.

The researchers evaluated how exposure to heavy ion beams changes the molecular profiles of animals. They found that 285 stress-related genes were upregulated.

They further uncovered three molecular mechanisms that contribute to radioresistance in organisms.

First, the horizontally transferred bacterial gene DOPA dioxygenase 1 (Doda 1) enhanced radiation resistance by producing betalains (pigments with powerful free radical scavenging properties commonly found in plants, fungi, and bacteria).

Second, proteins unique to tardigrades, TDP1promotes DNA double-strand break repair.

Finally, mitochondrial chaperone genes BCS1Proliferated during the evolution of tardigrades, it is uniquely upregulated in response to radiation and protects cells from radiation-induced mitochondrial damage.

“The extreme environmental tolerance of extremophiles such as tardigrades provides a treasure trove of unexplored molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance,” the authors write.

“Functional studies of these radioresistance mechanisms may further expand our understanding of cell survival under extreme conditions and provide inspiration for promoting human health and fighting disease.”

of result Published in the Journal on October 25, 2024 science.

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Ray Lee others. 2024. The multi-omic landscape of tardigrades and the molecular basis of radioresistance. science 386 (6720);doi: 10.1126/science.adl0799

Source: www.sci.news

Tech Giants’ Disregard for Democracy Seen in Resistance to Delivery Drones | by John Norton

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vinegarFlip digital capitalists over and you find technological determinists: people who believe technology drives history. These individuals view themselves as agents of what Joseph Schumpeter famously called “creative destruction.” They take pleasure in “moving fast and breaking things,” a phrase once used by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, until their representatives convince them that this approach is not ideal, not only because it means taxpayers will bear the consequences.

Technological determinism is, in fact, an ideology that influences your thoughts even when you’re not consciously aware of it. It thrives on a narrative that argues: Technical necessity Whether we agree or not, this narrative suggests that new innovations will continue to emerge. LM Sacasas explains “Every claim of inevitability serves a purpose, and narratives of technological inevitability serve as a convenient shield for tech companies to achieve their desired outcomes, minimize opposition, and persuade consumers that they are embracing a future that may not be desirable but is deemed necessary.”

However, for this narrative of inevitability to resonate with the general public and result in widespread adoption of the technology, politicians must eventually endorse it as well. This scenario is currently observable with AI, although the long-term implications remain unclear. Yet, some indications are troubling, like the cringe-worthy video incidents involving Rishi Sunak’s fawning over the world’s wealthiest individual, Elon Musk, and Tony Blair’s recent heartfelt conversation aired on TV with Demis Hassabis, the well-known co-founder of Google DeepMind.

It’s refreshing to encounter an article that explores the clash between deterministic myths and democratic realities, as seen in “Resisting Technological Inevitability: Google Wing Delivery Drones and the Battle for Our Skies.” Noteworthy academic papers soon to be published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, a reputable journal. Written by Anna Zenz from the University of Western Australia’s School of Law and Julia Powles from the Technology & Policy Lab, the paper recounts the narrative of how major tech firms attempted to dominate a new market with a promising technology – delivery drones – without considering the societal repercussions. It reflects how a proactive, resourceful, and determined public successfully thwarted this corporate agenda.

The company in question is Wing, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet. Their objective is to develop delivery drones to facilitate the transportation of various goods, including emergency medical aid, creating a new commercial industry that enables broad access to the skies. This is evident in Australia, which hosts Google’s largest drone operation in terms of deliveries and customer outreach. It is endorsed by both state and federal governments, with the federal government taking the lead.

Zenz and Powles argue that by persuading Australian politicians to allow the testing of an Aerial Deliveroo-like service (under the guise of an “experimental” initiative), Google heavily relied on the myth of inevitability. Officials who already believed in the inevitability of delivery drones saw the potential benefits of embracing this trend and offered their support, either passively or actively. The company then leveraged the perception of inevitability to obtain “community acceptance,” manipulating the public into silence or passive tolerance by claiming that delivery drones were an inevitable progression.

One of the test sites for this project was Bonython, a Canberra suburb where the trial commenced in July 2018. However, the project faced immediate challenges. Numerous residents were perturbed and bewildered by the sudden appearance of drones in their neighborhood. They expressed outrage over the drones’ impact on their community, local wildlife, and the environment, citing issues like unplanned landings, dropped cargo, drones flying near traffic, and birds attacking and disrupting the drones.

While many communities might have simply grumbled and overlooked these issues, Bonython took a different approach. A group of proactive residents, including a retired aviation law expert, established a dedicated online presence, distributed newsletters, conducted door-to-door outreach, engaged with politicians, contacted media outlets, and submitted information requests to local authorities.

Their efforts paid off eventually. In August 2023, Wing quietly announced the termination of operations in the Canberra region. This decision not only marked the end of the project but also triggered a congressional inquiry into drone delivery systems, scrutinizing various aspects such as pilot training, economic implications, regulatory oversight, and environmental impacts of drone delivery. This investigation shed light on the blind acceptance of the myth of inevitability among public officials, prompting critical questions that regulators and governments should consistently pose when tech companies champion “innovation” and “progress.”

Echoing Marshall McLuhan’s sentiments in a different context, it’s crucial to acknowledge that “there is absolutely no inevitability if there is a willingness to reflect on unfolding events.” Public resistance against the myth of inevitability should always be encouraged.

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What I’m Reading

The Thinker’s Work
There are fascinating essays in New Statesman about John Gray’s exploration of Friedrich Hayek, one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic thinkers.

Turn the page
Feeling pessimistic? Check out what Henry Oliver has to say in this insightful essay.

A whole new world
Science fiction writer Karl Schroeder shares some provocative blog posts contemplating the future.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How antibiotic resistance diminished the impact of the last pandemic

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Shutterstock/Katerina Con

When Gene Marrazzo was announced as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) last year, he became one of the world's leading public health policymakers, and the responsibilities are heavier than ever before for the institute's new director, who will succeed Anthony Fauci, who held the position during the coronavirus pandemic and became a household name.

After decades of working on HIV prevention and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as overseeing COVID-19 treatment interventions, Marrazzo is now responsible for NIAID's $6.6 billion annual budget and the future of infectious disease control in the United States.

This includes working with the institute's 21 laboratories across the country, leading the fight against Ebola and HIV, and spearheading the development of new vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and technologies.

Top of Marrazzo's to-do list is tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or drug-resistant superbugs, which are predicted to cause 10 million deaths a year and cost the global economy $1 trillion annually by 2050. In May, Britain's former chief medical officer warned that the rise of these pathogens could make pandemics seem “small” and that the problem is more serious than climate change.

Global warming is one of the factors contributing to the increase in drug-resistant bacteria, and changes in the climate conditions on Earth Salmonella Causes cholera Biblio To survive, we'll need to avoid our current antibiotic arsenal altogether. Here, Marrazzo outlines what we should probably fear most, and some developments we can expect in the near future.

Charlotte Lytton: In what ways…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Revelation of Why Some Individuals Have Greater Resistance to the Novel Coronavirus

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Volunteers were exposed to coronavirus as part of a scientific study

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By intentionally exposing people to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, scientists have been able to understand why some people appear to be immune to infection.

As part of the first human COVID-19 challenge study conducted in 2021, an international group of researchers looked at 36 healthy people who had not tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and had not been vaccinated.

The ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain was sprayed into their noses. Nasal and blood samples were taken from 16 of the participants before exposure and then six to seven times over the next 28 days. All were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 twice daily.

Participants were split into three groups, team members said. Sarah Teichmann The study was conducted at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. In one group, six participants tested positive in both daily tests for more than two days and also had symptoms. In another group, three participants tested positive in one of two daily tests but not in the other and did not have symptoms, but for less than two days. In the final group, seven participants consistently tested negative for coronavirus.

In total, the researchers sequenced more than 600,000 blood and nasal cells across all subjects.

In the second and third groups, the researchers found that participants were producing more interferon (a substance that helps the immune system fight infection) in their blood in front of the nasopharynx (the top of the nose at the back of the throat where the nasal samples were taken). The interferon response was actually higher in the noses of participants in the second group than in the third group, Teichmann says.

These groups also did not have active infections within the immune cells T cells and macrophages, team members say. Marko Nikolic At University College London.

The results showed that high levels of gene activity HLA-DQA2 Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 helped prevent persistent infection.

Nikolic hopes that this discovery will improve understanding of the cellular responses involved in preventing COVID-19 and aid in the development of vaccines and treatments.

“With its carefully controlled design and real understanding of 'time zero' when infection occurs, this study will serve as a unique resource of previously uninfected SARS-CoV-2 participants to measure subsequent immune responses,” the study said. Jose Ordovas Montanez Harvard Stem Cell Institute

But most people have been exposed to “a true mosaic of SARS-CoV-2 variants,” not just the ancestral variant used in the study, so the results may not reflect cellular responses outside the testing environment, he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Potential of Marine Fungi: Harnessing Water Mushrooms to Combat Antibiotic Resistance and Pollution

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Microscopic marine fungi are abundant, with approximately 2000 species discovered to date.

Dayarathne MC et al. (2020)

Take a walk along the coast almost anywhere in the world and you'll see colorful patches of life growing on rocks, seawalls, and driftwood. These are lichens, a mutualistic partnership between fungi and algae. In the UK, this may include brightly colored orange marine lichens and yellowish coastal sunburst lichens, as well as many other Drabber species.

Lichens are typically thought of as terrestrial organisms, and in fact, the majority grow inland on rocks, tree trunks, leaves, and soil. However, coastal organisms are not creatures that accidentally washed ashore from land; they are marine-adapted species found only on or in close proximity to shores. Until recently, they were considered to be outliers in the almost entirely terrestrial fungal kingdom. No more. “Fungi are present in every marine ecosystem we observe,” says Michael Cunliffe of the University of Plymouth in the UK.

Research on marine fungi is currently rapidly increasing, but their exact role and importance in marine ecosystems remains a mystery. Nevertheless, there are high hopes that it could save us from the two great scourges of the 21st century: antibiotic resistance and plastic pollution.

What are marine fungi?

The existence of marine fungi has been known for many years. The earliest descriptions were published in his mid-19th century to his early 20th century, but these were largely ignored by mainstream mycologists. Most of the species discovered are found on the roots of seaweed that live near the coast.

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Strategy Revealed by Scientists to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

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The urgent crisis of antibiotic-resistant superbugs is being solved in groundbreaking research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Microbiotics. Their research focuses on disrupting the pathogen’s type 3 secretion system, providing a new approach to preventing infectious diseases. This strategy, supported by innovative luciferase-based technology, could pave the way for new drugs, improve our understanding of microbial infections, and lead to major advances in public health. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

The team is developing tests to identify new drugs that neutralize pathogens and provide substantial benefits to public health.

Antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” could overwhelm efforts to eradicate “superbugs” are an imminent public health crisis, with more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occurring each year, according to the CDC disease is occurring. Researchers around the world are struggling to address this challenge.

Recently, a collaborative team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and including scientists from biopharmaceutical companies microbiologypublished in a magazine ACS infection They said they have successfully learned how to interfere with a key mechanism used by pathogens to infect host cells, called the type 3 secretion system. Additionally, the researchers report that they have developed a test to identify the next generation of drugs that target this vulnerable cellular machinery and have real benefits for public health.

A typical strategy when treating microbial infections is to attack the pathogen with antibiotics, which work by entering and killing harmful cells. This is not as easy as it sounds. New antibiotics need to be water-soluble so they can easily pass through the bloodstream, and oil-based to cross the cell membranes that are the first line of defense of pathogenic cells. Of course, water and oil don’t mix. It is difficult to design a drug that has enough of both properties to be effective.

The type 3 secretion system relies on two proteins, PopB and PopD (red and blue), which form tunnels in the host cell wall.

That’s not the only problem. Antibiotics can’t cause any harm because pathogenic cells have developed something called an “efflux pump” that can recognize them and safely pump them out of the cell. If an antibiotic cannot overcome the efflux pumps and kills the cell, the pathogen will “remember” what that particular antibiotic is and create additional efflux pumps to deal with it efficiently. Develop. This means that they become resistant to that particular antibiotic.

One way forward is to find new antibiotics or combinations of them to stay one step ahead of superbugs.

“Or you could change your strategy,” says Alejandro Heuch, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and lead author of the paper. “I am a chemist and have always been interested in understanding how chemical molecules interact with living organisms. In particular, I understand the communication between pathogens and the host cells they try to invade. We have focused our research on molecules that make this possible. If we don’t try to kill the pathogen, there’s no chance that the pathogen will develop resistance. We’re just jamming that machine. The pathogen is still alive. It’s just ineffective, and the host has no chance of developing resistance. You have time to use your natural defenses to eliminate the pathogen.”

Heuck and his colleagues are particularly interested in a communication system called the type 3 secretion system, which so far is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation unique to pathogenic microorganisms. Understanding host-pathogen interactions.

Like pathogenic cells, host cells have thick and impermeable cell walls. To overcome these, pathogens first developed syringe-like machines that secreted two proteins known as PopD and PopB. Neither PopD nor PopB can break through the cell wall on their own, but together the two proteins can create a “translocon,” the equivalent of a tunnel through the cell membrane. Once the tunnel is established, the pathogenic cell can inject other proteins that serve to infect the host. This entire process is called the type 3 secretion system, and it cannot function without both PopB and PopD. “If you don’t try to kill the pathogen, there’s no chance of it developing resistance,” Huke says. We’re just jamming that machine. The pathogen is still alive. It’s just ineffective, and the host needs time to use its natural defenses to eliminate the pathogen.

Heuck and his colleagues realized that a type of enzyme called luciferase (similar to what makes lightning bugs glow at night) could be used as a tracer. They split the enzyme into two halves. Half of it was integrated into the PopD/PopB protein and the other half was integrated into the host cell.These engineered proteins and hosts can receive a large influx of different compounds. If the host cell suddenly glows, it means that PopD/PopB has broken through the cell wall and recombined her two halves of luciferase, causing it to glow. But what if the cells remain dark? “Then we can see which molecules disrupt the translocon,” Huke says.

Huke was quick to point out that his team’s research not only has obvious applications in the pharmaceutical and public health worlds, but also advances our understanding of exactly how microbes infect healthy cells. “We wanted to study how pathogens work, and suddenly we realized that our discoveries could help solve public health problems,” he said.

Reference: “Cell-based assay to determine translocon assembly of the type 3 secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using split luciferase” by Hanling Guo, Emily J. Geddes, Timothy J. Opperman and Alejandro P. Heuck , November 18, 2023 ACS infection.DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00482

This research was supported by the Massachusetts Amherst Applied Life Sciences Institute, a Healey Foundation grant, and National Institutes of Health.


Source: scitechdaily.com

New molecule developed by researchers to combat antimicrobial resistance – a game-changing antibiotic breakthrough

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Researchers at Maynooth University have used supramolecular chemistry to discover new molecules to fight drug-resistant bacteria. This new discovery suggests a potential new approach to antibiotic development and has important implications for public health.Credit: Ella Mar Studio

Researchers at Maynooth University have developed a new molecule designed to fight drug-resistant bacteria.

An international team including researchers from Maynooth University has developed a new molecule that has the potential to fight drug-resistant bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a phenomenon in which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time and become immune to drugs. This resistance makes infections more difficult to cure and increases the risk of prolonged illness and death. With predictions that traditional antibiotics will largely lose their effectiveness by 2050 due to rising AMR levels, finding new ways to eradicate bacteria has become a key scientific priority.

Supramolecular chemistry: the key to fighting AMR

The research leveraged the principles of supramolecular chemistry, a niche scientific field that studies interactions between molecules, to achieve the breakthrough. Most importantly, this study discovered a molecule that is efficient at killing bacteria, yet has very low toxicity to healthy human cells.

New research published in prestigious journal chemistry, in conjunction with World AMR Awareness Week, which will be held from November 18th to 24th. This global campaign, run by the World Health Organization, aims to raise awareness and understanding of AMR in the hope of reducing the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

More than 1.2 million people, and likely millions more, died as a direct result of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2019, according to the most comprehensive estimate to date of the global impact of AMR. The research could pave the way for new approaches to tackling the problem, which kills more people each year than HIV/AIDS or malaria.

Luke Brennan, lead researcher in Maynooth University’s Department of Chemistry, said: “We are discovering new molecules and investigating how they bind to anions, negatively charged chemicals that are very important in the context of the biochemistry of life.” It’s laying a fundamental foundation that could help fight a variety of diseases, from cancer to cystic fibrosis.”

A “Trojan horse” approach to resistant bacteria

The study was based on the use of synthetic ion transporters, and the researchers found that the influx of salts (sodium and chloride ions) into bacteria can trigger a series of biochemical events that lead to bacterial cell death. was demonstrated for the first time. Strains of bacteria that are resistant to currently available antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Study co-author Dr Robert Hermes from the Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health at Maynooth University said: “This study shows how our approach, a kind of ‘Trojan horse’ that causes salt influx into cells, can be used to effectively kill resistant bacteria. It eliminates bacteria in a way that counters known bacterial resistance methods.”

Bacteria work hard to maintain a stable concentration of ions within their cell membranes, and when this delicate balance is disrupted, normal cell function is wreaked havoc and the cell is no longer viable.

Elms continued, “These synthetic molecules bind to chloride ions, enveloping them in a ‘blanket of fat’ and making them easily soluble in bacterial membranes, taking the ions along with them and allowing them to function normally.” Disturbs the ion balance.” This study is a great example of fundamental knowledge of chemical fundamentals that has implications for an unmet need in human health research. ”

Professor Kevin Kavanagh, microbiologist in Maynooth University’s School of Biology, commented: This research is an example of chemists and biologists working together to pioneer the development of new antimicrobial agents with great promise.”

Such results pave the way for the potential development of anion transporters as viable alternatives to currently available antibiotics, which is urgently needed as the problem of AMR continues to grow. This is what has been done.

Reference: “Strong antimicrobial effects induced by disruption of chlorine homeostasis” Luke E. Brennan, Lokesh K. Kumawat, Magdalena E. Piatek, Airlie J. Kinross, Daniel A. McNaughton, Luke Marchetti, Conor Geraghty, Conor Wynne , by Hua Tong, Oisin N. Kavanagh, Finbarr O’Sullivan, Chris S. Hawes, Philip A. Gale, Kevin Kavanagh, Robert BP Hermes, August 23, 2023. chemistry.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2023.07.014

This research was supported by Science Foundation Ireland’s Pharmaceutical Research Center (SSPC) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).

Source: scitechdaily.com