Escherichia coli

Researchers identify seasonal peaks for foodborne infections

Each year, thousands of pounds of food are wasted and billions of dollars in food sales lost because of recalls tied to foodborne infections. Using a newly developed approach, researchers identified seasonal peaks for foodborne infections that could be used to optimize the timing and location of food inspections. “We rely upon food producers, distributors and retailers to keep food ...

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A self-cleaning surface that repels even the deadliest superbugs

A team of researchers at McMaster University has developed a self-cleaning surface that can repel all forms of bacteria, preventing the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other dangerous bacteria in settings ranging from hospitals to kitchens. The new plastic surface — a treated form of conventional transparent wrap – can be shrink-wrapped onto door handles, railings, IV stands and other ...

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E. coli gain edge by changing their diets in inflammatory bowel disease

What if you had to plan your outings based on how your stomach felt that day or where the nearest restroom is located? For many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), their guts have an inordinate effect on their daily quality of life. One of the most common forms of IBD, called Crohn’s disease, is characterized by inflammation within the digestive tract ...

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Scientists discover how ‘superbug’ E. coli clones take over human gut

A “superbug” clone of E. coli has evolved to prevent itself from becoming so dominant that it could potentially wipe out the bacteria from existence, scientists led by the University of Birmingham have discovered. The researchers investigated how and why a clone of E. coli called ST131 has become the major cause of drug-resistant E. coli infections, but not so dominant that ...

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Bacteria help discover human cancer-causing proteins

A team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas at Austin has applied an unconventional approach that used bacteria to discover human proteins that can lead to DNA damage and promote cancer. Reported in the journal Cell, the study also proposes biological mechanisms by which these proteins can cause damage to DNA, opening possibilities for ...

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