Engineered viruses can fight the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
As the world has focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, other microbial foes are waging war on humans. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a growing threat. But viruses may defeat them.
Feb. 24, 2021 • ~8 min
Fecal microbe transplants help cancer patients respond to immunotherapy and shrink tumors
Whether or not you respond to a certain medicine or therapy doesn't just depend on you. The microbes in your gut play a role in the success or failure of various drugs, including cancer therapies.
Feb. 5, 2021 • ~7 min
A healthy microbiome builds a strong immune system that could help defeat COVID-19
The microbes in your gut influence how your immune system reacts to bacteria and viruses. A severe immune reaction is deadly; a small one lets the virus win. The right balance may depend on your diet.
Jan. 22, 2021 • ~12 min
Dangerous bacteria is showing up in school water systems, reminding all buildings reopening amid COVID-19 to check the pipes
When water stagnates in pipes, harmful metals and bacteria can accumulate and make people sick. Buildings that were shut down for weeks during the pandemic may be at risk.
Sept. 8, 2020 • ~8 min
Several schools find harmful bacteria in water systems, reminding all reopening buildings to check the pipes
When water stagnates in pipes, harmful metals and bacteria can accumulate and make people sick. Buildings that were shut down for weeks during the pandemic may be at risk.
Sept. 8, 2020 • ~8 min
Bacteria and viruses are travelling the world on highways in the sky
The atmosphere has a microbiome of bacteria, viruses and fungi that travel around the world on highways in the sky.
July 21, 2020 • ~6 min
Is bar soap as gross as millennials say? Not really, and we're all covered with microbes anyway
Finally, an answer to a long-bubbling question: What works best – bar or liquid soap?
July 14, 2020 • ~7 min
How to manage plant pests and diseases in your victory garden
The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted interest in home gardening. Three scientists who garden explain some basic methods for controlling common insects and microbes that can spoil your crop.
July 2, 2020 • ~9 min
We caught bacteria from the most pristine air on earth to help solve a climate modeling mystery
Climate models have been overestimating how much sunlight hits the Southern Ocean. This is because the clouds there are different from clouds anywhere else. Bacterial DNA helped us understand why.
June 19, 2020 • ~9 min
Hydrogen-breathing aliens? Study suggests new approach to finding extraterrestrial life
New research expands the pool of habitable worlds to include super-Earths with hydrogen-rich atmospheres.
May 4, 2020 • ~8 min
/
2