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Articles on Microbiology

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The satellite virus MiniFlayer (purple) infects cells by attaching itself to the neck of its helper virus, MindFlayer (gray). Tagide deCarvalho

Vampire viruses prey on other viruses to replicate themselves − and may hold the key to new antiviral therapies

Researchers discovered a satellite virus latching onto the neck of another virus called MindFlayer. Studying the viral arms race between similar viruses could lead to new ways to fight infections.
E. coli as a model organism helped researchers better understand how DNA works. Ed Horowitz Photography/The Image Bank via Getty Images

E. coli is one of the most widely studied organisms – and that may be a problem for both science and medicine

Researchers uncovered the foundations of biology by using E. coli as a model organism. But over-reliance on this microbe can lead to knowledge blind spots with implications for antibiotic resistance.
You don’t need to watch where you step when it comes to bacteria. Westend61/Getty Images

Do you crush microbes when you step on them?

You can squash small bugs by stepping on them, but can you crush even tinier microorganisms like viruses and bacteria? It turns out that you’d need to apply a lot of pressure.
Ancient DNA preserved in the tooth tartar of human fossils encodes microbial metabolites that could be the next antibiotic. Werner/Siemens Foundation

Reconstructing ancient bacterial genomes can revive previously unknown molecules – offering a potential source for new antibiotics

Ancient microbes likely produced natural products their descendants today do not. Tapping into this lost chemical diversity could offer a potential source of new drugs.
Tolerant bacteria are dormant until an antibiotic threat has passed, then reemerge to conduct business as usual. Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Looming behind antibiotic resistance is another bacterial threat – antibiotic tolerance

Antibiotic resistance has contributed to millions of deaths worldwide. Research suggests that any bacteria can develop antibiotic tolerance, and possibly resistance, when pushed to their limits.
Pathology analyzes bodily fluids and tissues using a variety of methods. Alvaro Lavin/Moment via Getty Images

How do blood tests work? Medical laboratory scientists explain the pathway from blood draw to diagnosis and treatment

Lab testing provides doctors with essential information to help them diagnose and treat disease. Here’s what happens behind the scenes after you roll up your sleeve for a blood draw.
Louis Pasteur was a pioneer in chemistry, microbiology, immunology and vaccinology. pictore/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

Louis Pasteur’s scientific discoveries in the 19th century revolutionized medicine and continue to save the lives of millions today

On World Rabies Day – which is also the anniversary of French microbiologist Louis Pasteur’s death – a virologist reflects on the achievements of this visionary scientist.

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