pathogenic infections

Antimicrobial and prebiotic properties of Weissella confusa B4-2 exopolysaccharide and its effects on matrix metalloproteinase genes expression

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Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Weissella confusa produces a sticky substance (exopolysaccharide) that has multiple health benefits. This substance fights harmful bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, helps heal wounds, and may slow down skin aging by reducing proteins that break down collagen. Because this bacterium produces much more of this substance than other commonly studied bacteria, it could be used in food preservation, health supplements, and anti-aging skincare products.

Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications

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Researchers used mushroom extracts to create tiny zinc oxide particles in an environmentally friendly way. These nanoparticles were tested in mice with liver damage and showed significant protective effects. The particles also demonstrated strong abilities to fight bacteria and fungal infections while acting as powerful antioxidants, suggesting potential use in future medical treatments.

The Hidden Microbial World in the Gut of the Terrestrial Snail Cornu aspersum maxima and the Unexpected Negative Effects of Synbiotics

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This study tested whether adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and dietary fibers (prebiotics) to snail farm feed could improve snail health and growth. While individual probiotic and prebiotic treatments helped reduce harmful bacteria in snails’ digestive systems, combining them together as a synbiotic surprisingly caused extremely high death rates in the snails. The results show that more research is needed before combining these supplements in snail farming.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiling of Phytosulfokine Receptor Genes (PSKRs) in Triticum aestivum with Docking Simulations of Their Interactions with Phytosulfokine (PSK): A Bioinformatics Study

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This study mapped and analyzed receptor genes in wheat that respond to a natural plant hormone called phytosulfokine. Researchers identified 57 versions of these receptor genes distributed across wheat’s genome and found they are most active in roots and leaves at different growth stages. Computer modeling showed how the plant hormone binds to its receptors. These findings could help develop wheat varieties that grow better and handle stress more effectively.

Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

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Researchers tested whether combining a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae with mushroom extract could improve the health and growth of zebrafish. The combination, called a synbiotic, significantly boosted fish growth by over 70%, enhanced their digestive function, and strengthened their immune system. This natural supplement approach shows promise for improving fish farming practices without requiring antibiotics.

Plant–Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity

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Fungi form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, helping plants absorb nutrients and resist stress. A key process called alternative splicing allows cells to make different versions of proteins from the same genes, fine-tuning how plants and fungi cooperate. This review explains how alternative splicing acts like a molecular switch that balances the plant’s immune system with accepting the beneficial fungus, and how understanding this could help farmers grow healthier crops with less chemical fertilizers.

Investigating fungal diversity through metabarcoding for environmental samples: assessment of ITS1 and ITS2 Illumina sequencing using multiple defined mock communities with different classification methods and reference databases

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Scientists developed a comprehensive method for identifying different fungi in environmental samples using DNA sequencing technology called metabarcoding. They tested 37 mixtures of known fungi species to compare different approaches, including which DNA markers to use, which reference databases to search, and which computer analysis methods to apply. The study found that the choice of method significantly affects results, with some approaches better at genus-level identification and others at species identification, helping researchers select the best approach for their specific needs.

Microbes as Teachers: Rethinking Knowledge in the Anthropocene

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Microbes have been the architects of life on Earth for nearly 4 billion years, managing oxygen production, nutrient cycles, and climate stability—yet we rarely recognize their wisdom. This paper argues we should treat microbes as teachers rather than mere subjects of study or exploitation. By reforming education, policy, and how we think about our relationship with microbial life, we can solve modern challenges like climate change and disease while learning to coexist with the microscopic majority that sustains all life.

Plant–Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity

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Fungi and plants form partnerships that help plants grow better and resist stress, with fungi receiving sugars from plants in return for nutrients from the soil. This review explains how a cellular process called alternative splicing acts like a molecular switch that lets plants accept beneficial fungi while keeping the ability to fight off harmful pathogens. Understanding this balance could help farmers grow healthier crops with less chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Disease: pathogenic infections