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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Shares Sequence with a Human Protein
Abby Olena, PhD | Jun 1, 2020 | 3 min read
Eight amino acids are identical to part of the human epithelial sodium channel, leading researchers to suspect the virus might interfere with the channel’s function.
Researchers Discover the Largest Virus in the Oceans Yet
Kerry Grens | Mar 1, 2020 | 4 min read
The ChoanoVirus genome codes for rhodopsin, perhaps giving its choanoflagellate host extra energy-harvesting capabilities.
Engineered Microbe in Bees’ Guts Fends off Deadly Varroa Mite
Lisa Winter | Jan 31, 2020 | 2 min read
The genetically modified bacteria spark an RNAi response in the parasite that leads to self-destruction—and perhaps a path to combatting colony collapse disorder.
Exercise Changes Our Gut Microbes, But How Isn’t Yet Clear
Ashley Yeager | Aug 15, 2019 | 5 min read
Physical activity, independent of diet, shifts the composition of bacteria in the intestines, spurring researchers to search for species that might provide benefits akin to working out.
shinkai submersible
Elusive Asgard Archaea Finally Cultured in Lab
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 12, 2019 | 3 min read
The 12-year-long endeavor reveals Prometheoarchaeum as a tentacled cell, living in a symbiotic relationship with methane-producing microbes.
Tardigrades May Have Made it to the Moon
Ashley Yeager | Aug 7, 2019 | 2 min read
An Israeli lunar lander carrying the tiny animals crashed into the moon in April, and now scientists are trying to determine if the creatures are still alive.
Life Thrives Within the Earth’s Crust
Catherine Offord | Oct 1, 2018 | 10+ min read
From journeys into mines to explorations of volcanoes on the ocean floor, deep voyages reveal the richness of the planet’s deep biosphere.
Stanley Falkow, Father of Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis, Dies
Catherine Offord | May 9, 2018 | 3 min read
The microbiologist was known for his work on bacterial antibiotic resistance and infectious disease.
Monitoring Mutations with Microfluidics
Ruth Williams | Mar 15, 2018 | 3 min read
A device dubbed the “mother machine” enables real-time observation of mutagenesis in single bacterial cells.  
Messing with the Microbiome
Ruth Williams | Jul 16, 2017 | 1 min read
Two new techniques allow researchers to manipulate the activity of gut bacteria. 
Wanted: Transcriptional Regulators
Ruth Williams | Aug 1, 2016 | 2 min read
Researchers have designed a screen to find unique molecules, called riboswitches, that determine whether transcription will proceed.
Week in Review: July 21–25
Tracy Vence | Jul 25, 2014 | 3 min read
Blood-based Alzheimer’s diagnostics; CRISPR cuts out HIV; Leishmania and the sand fly microbiome; deconstructing the lionfish science fair debacle
Gut Bacteria Vary with Diet
Jef Akst | Dec 13, 2013 | 2 min read
Extreme diets can alter the microbial makeup of the human GI tract, and change the behavior of those bacteria.
Salmonella Strain Spreads Alongside HIV
Dan Cossins | Oct 1, 2012 | 2 min read
Researchers find that a deadly bacterial disease hitchhikes in people infected with the virus that causes AIDS to spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Modeling the Cell
Jef Akst | Jul 23, 2012 | 2 min read
The first full computer model of a single-celled organism mimics the bacterium’s behaviors and paves the way to more complete disease models.
Microbial Perfume
Edyta Zielinska | Jul 23, 2012 | 1 min read
Rather than rely on plant-derived products, biotech companies are engineering bacteria and yeast to produce ingredients for fragrances.
Top Ten Innovations 2011
The Scientist | Jan 1, 2012 | 10+ min read
Our list of the best and brightest products that 2011 had to offer the life scientist
Arsenic Bug's Genome Sequenced
Bob Grant | Dec 7, 2011 | 1 min read
Researchers have mapped out the DNA of what some scientists claim to be an arsenic loving bacterium.
Sharing the Bounty
Michelle G. Rooks and Wendy S. Garrett | Aug 1, 2011 | 10+ min read
Gut bacteria may be the missing piece that explains the connection between diet and cancer risk.
Trading Pelts for Pestilence
Jef Akst | Jul 1, 2011 | 3 min read
When European explorers and fishermen began to frequent Canada’s shores in the 16th century, they brought with them a plethora of tools and trinkets, including knives, axes, kettles, and blankets. 
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