Antibiotic tagged posts

African Acacia Vachellia drepanolobium tree houses Tetraponera ant colonies inside hollow domatia. Formicamycins, antibacterial polyketides produced by Streptomyces formicae isolated from the plant-ants can combat MRSA

A new antibiotic, produced by bacteria found on a species of African ant, is very potent against antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ like MRSA. Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and t

he John Innes Centre (JIC) discovered a new member of the Streptomyces bacteria family, isolated from the African fungus-growing plant-ant Tetraponera penzigi. They have named the new species Streptomyces formicae and the antibiotics formicamycins, after the Latin formica, meaning ant.

Lab tests have shown these new antibiotics are effective against methicillin resistant Staphyloc...

Highlights •Gut microbes promote α-synuclein-mediated motor deficits and brain pathology •Depletion of gut bacteria reduces microglia activation •SCFAs modulate microglia and enhance PD pathophysiology •Human gut microbiota from PD patients induce enhanced motor dysfunction in mice

Gut microbes may play a critical role in the development of Parkinson’s-like movement disorders in genetically predisposed mice, researchers report December 1 in Cell. Antibiotic treatment reduced motor deficits and molecular hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease in a mouse model, whereas transplantation of gut microbes from patients with Parkinson’s disease exacerbated symptoms in these mice...

The chemical structure of newly discovered antibiotic Lugdunin. Also in the photograph: the two lead authors Alexander Zipperer (left) and Martin Christoph Konnerth (right). Credit: Martin Christoph Konnerth

A potential lifesaver lies unrecognized in the human body: Scientists have discovered that Staphylococcus lugdunensis which colonizes in the human nose produces a previously unknown antibiotic. As tests on mice have shown, the substance, Lugdunin is able to combat multiresistant pathogens, where many classic antibiotics have become ineffective.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria – like the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which colonizes on human skin – are among the leading causes of death worldwide...

Satellite images of Emiliania huxleyi blooms. Credit: NASA images

Using a special profiling technique, scientists at Princeton have determined the mechanism of action of a potent antibiotic, tropodithietic acid (TDA), leading them to uncover its hidden ability as a potential anticancer agent. TDA is produced by marine bacteria belonging to the roseobacter family, which exist in a unique symbiosis with microscopic algae. The algae provide food for the bacteria, and the bacteria provide protection from the many pathogens of the open ocean.

“This molecule keeps everything out,” said Assistant Prof. Seyedsayamdost. “How could something so small be so broad spectrum? That’s what got us interested,” he said...