Jan 2nd, 2009 · Biologists identified bacteria that shorten the lifespan of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Shorter lives mean less time for the mosquitoes to incubate and transmit diseases like dengue and malaria. Biologist Andrew Read of Pennsylvania State University explains the findings.
Dec 3rd, 2008 · It is "more likely than not" that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack by the end of 2013, according to a report issued by a congressional commission. The report said the use of a biological weapon that could include something like the deadly anthrax bacteria is most likely.
Nov 21st, 2008 · Scientists found 5,600 different species or strains of bacteria living in human intestines, making gut bacteria 10 times more diverse than expected. David Relman, one of the authors of the study, explains the findings and how a common antibiotic disrupts this bacterial community.
Nov 14th, 2008 · Researchers have figured out just how bleach kills bacteria, according to a new study in the journal Cell. Ursula Jakob, one of the authors of the paper, explains how bleach does its dirty work and how this information might be put to good use.
Oct 21st, 2008 · These genes aren't from your parents, but the genetic code of the bacteria in your gut can determine your health — and affect conditions like type 1 diabetes and obesity.
Aug 19th, 2008 · Bacterial pneumonia attacked virus-weakened lungs and killed most of the 50 million victims of the 1918 flu pandemic. This finding is good news if another flu pandemic strikes: Doctors are now armed with effective treatments for bacterial infections.
Aug 11th, 2008 · Anthrax infections occur mostly in wild and domestic animals, which can breathe in the bacteria spores as they root around in the soil. Even then, anthrax infections are rare in the United States, and the disease isn't contagious. But even with treatment, the disease can be fatal.
Jul 22nd, 2008 · On Monday government inspectors had a big break in their search for the elusive cause of a nationwide salmonella outbreak. They discovered a strain of bacteria on a single Mexican-grown jalapeno pepper in a distribution facility in south Texas.