Human immune systems could struggle to fight off ‘alien’ bacteria and viruses from other planets

Could future pandemics originate in SPACE? Human immune systems may struggle to fight off ‘alien’ bacteria and viruses from other planets, study warns Experts think that alien microorganisms could potentially exist on other worlds Researchers from Exeter and Aberdeen set out to test how these might affect us They exposed mice immune cells to two amino … Read more

Could a pill made from gut bacteria treat Covid-19?

A pill made from gut bacteria is being tested by British scientists as a treatment for coronavirus. In a trial launched today, patients will be given either the medication, which contains a strain of gut bacteria found to reduce damage to lung tissue caused by inflammation. Patients often become seriously ill when their immune system … Read more

Researchers identify bacteria in permafrost samples in the Swiss Alps that could break down plastics

Researchers identify 13-million-year-old bacteria in permafrost samples collected in the Swiss Alps, which could be used in bioreactors to break down plastic waste Swiss researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria in the Swiss Alps It was found in permafrost samples and is believed to be 13million years old The team describes permafrost as … Read more

Researchers identify bacteria in permafrost samples in the Swiss Alps that could break down plastics

Researchers identify 13-million-year-old bacteria in permafrost samples collected in the Swiss Alps, which could be used in bioreactors to break down plastic waste Swiss researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria in the Swiss Alps It was found in permafrost samples and is believed to be 13million years old The team describes permafrost as … Read more

Probitoic bacteria could save the Great Barrier Reef’s coral

Feeding coral reefs a dose of ‘good’ probiotic bacteria helps them tolerate rising ocean temperatures, new research shows. Scientists say they’ve proved for the first time that feeding corals beneficial probiotics increases their overall health and improves their chances of survival during heat stress. In lab tests, corals that were fed beneficial microorganisms – much like … Read more

Giving plants ‘good’ bacteria could help them fight disease 

Scientists have developed plant ‘probiotics’ that help fight disease without the use of expensive pesticides. UK researchers say beneficial bacteria in soil supports plants’ immune systems in a similar way to positive gut bacteria in humans. By injecting probiotics into a plant’s growth medium, they hope to create ideal growing conditions year-round for herbs, fruits … Read more

Bacteria found in geraniums imported from Guatemala to the US can be used in bioterrorism

Mother Nature seems to be releasing her fury on the US – first murderous hornets, then giant lizards and now a deadly plant bacteria. Greenhouses in Michigan have been ordered to destroy any Fantasia Pink Flare geraniums imported from Guatemala, as the flowers are carrying a bacteria that could threaten food crops across the nation. The … Read more

Air filter could kill 99.9% of deadly bacteria and viruses floating in the air

A new air filter may be able to kill bacteria and viruses floating in the air in the blink of an eye.  The device uses ‘non-thermal plasma’ (NTP), a gas which causes molecules to react with oxygen to create ozone.  Ozone is known to be anti-bacterial and destroys pathogens by rupturing their cell walls.  But … Read more