Bacteria

Israeli, US scientists uncover viral switch that could help defeat antibiotic resistance

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have revealed that bacteriophages use a small RNA molecule to hijack bacterial cells, a mechanism that had never been described before.

A microscope.
A scientist gathers samples for conducting bacteria contamination tests on a stream; illustrative.

High pollution levels found at several streams in northern, eastern Israel, ministries confirm

Artificial Sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners help obese people lose 1.6 kg in a year and improve gut bacteria

Researchers drilling into the permafrost.

Ancient microbes from Alaska permafrost awaken after 40,000 years


We all do this while we're on the toilet – and we should definitely stop

Who among us doesn't pass the time on the toilet playing on our phones? This habit is definitely bad. Here's why:

Are you doing this one thing wrong without even knowing?

The truth behind airplane lavatories — A flight attendant explains

A veteran flight attendant shared grim insider information about the state of airplane toilets.

 Passengers board an airplane.

Could broccoli hold the cure to bacterial resistance to antibiotics?

So many types of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics because the pathogens develop biofilms that protect them from being wiped.

 Broccoli

Israeli scientists work towards curbing Candida, the yeast infection fungus

Weizmann scientists discovered that a powerful commando unit of TH17 cells capable of fighting Candida cannot be generated without crucial early support from an entirely different contingent.

 An Aire-ILC3 cell (green) "kisses" a Candida-fighting TH17 cell (red), telling it to start dividing (top row), but it ignores other T cells that do not specialize in fighting Candida (bottom row).

Does candy cause tooth cavities?

Sugar and sweets are considered the root of all evil with respect to dental health, but in reality they have but a small, albeit significant role in the process that leads to dental caries.

 The equation according to which candy plus teeth equal tooth cavities is fundamentally correct, but inaccurate.

A new method to determine stability of bacterial ecosystems

Study at Bar-Ilan University found that different species of bacteria can self-sustain in the same environment, depending on the strength of their interactions.

The Acacia Tree Stars in the Arava Ecosystem

Bacteria with antibiotic resistant genes discovered in Antarctica, scientists say

Researchers found that one of the predominant bacteria groups in the Antarctic Peninsula can be a source of 'resistance genes.'

 Scientists from the University of Chile collect organic material as they look for a bacteria discovered in Antarctica, January 13, 2019.

Too many people pee in swimming pools - and it’s dangerous

It’s hard to say this, but many people pee in swimming pools and it's not only kids. A doctor explains why it’s so bad, especially when combined with chlorine.

swimming pool under water illustrative

Researchers develop ‘bionic bacteria’ that create better fuels, chemicals

Bacteria can be found everywhere, and some are bad and cause illnesses, but some do more good more than harm.

 Beneficial Gut Bacteria illustrative.

This is why we'll all be much more sick in the future - study

Scientists warn that in a warmer atmosphere, a result of rising global temperatures due to the climate crisis increases risk of disease to humans and plants.

An aerial view shows a thick layer of "sea snot," consisting of a wide variety of microorganisms, that covers the sea near the coast in the Bostanci harbor in Istanbul, Turkey May 31, 2021. Picture taken with a drone May 31, 2021.