Bacteria are traditionally imagined as single-cell organisms, spread out sparsely over surfaces or suspended in liquids, but in many environments the true bacterial mode of growth is in sticky clusters called biofilms.Biofilm formation can be useful to humans—it is integral, for example, to producing kombucha tea. But it is more often problematic because it makes...
Written by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | Reviewed by Katie E. Golden, MD Key takeaways: fotostorm/E+ via Getty Images If you’re prescribed an antibiotic, you might be told it’s a good idea to start taking a probiotic as well. But others might tell you the opposite: You should stop using probiotics when you’re taking an antibiotic. So, what...
While antibiotics are the main treatment for UTIS, home remedies can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurring infections. Our tips include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and drinking cranberry juice. Share on PinterestA quick look at UTI treatments without antibiotics For reducing bacterial growth: UTIs and hydration For releasing toxins: UTIs and urination For a natural antibacterial...
by American Society of Nephrology Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New research in rodents indicates that altering gut microbes may affect the development of organ damage associated with hypertension. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2023, November 1–5. For the study, scientists used narrow-spectrum antibiotics to specifically deplete Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria in rats...
Written by Christine Giordano, MD | Reviewed by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH Key takeaways: Antibiotics are lifesaving, but they can cause side effects — especially nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.Foods that are a natural source of probiotics can help protect your gut and improve your nausea while you’re taking antibiotics.Fiber-rich foods can also lessen nausea and upset stomach....
Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc.Oct 18 2023Knee and hip replacements are increasing globally due to an aging population. In the United States, the number of patients needing a joint replacement will exceed 2.7 million in the next 7 years. Post-surgery infections, while rare at 1-5% of patients, result in high patient morbidity and mortality. In...
by Bridjes O’Neil, Saint Louis University Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public DomainResearchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine say diagnostic delays frequently occur in patients with undiagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) and are calling for improved dissemination of current clinical practice guidelines in a new paper published Aug. 24 in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery....
by Krista Conger, Stanford University Medical Center Landmarking analysis to evaluate the impact of antimicrobial exposure on survival over time on N = 772 independent patients. Data were presented as the hazard ratios ± 95% confidence intervals that reflect the risk of ongoing antimicrobial exposure at yearly intervals post-diagnosis and are plotted for the cumulative exposure definitions of total and...
by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory The chemical structure of the new antibiotic was designed by Moses and synthetically assembled by his lab. Dr. Thomas Fallon, Moses’ collaborator at the University of Newcastle, Australia, provided the shape-shifting bullvalene core. Moses says one commenter called the study “probably the ‘coolest’ and most complex natural product derivative paper I’ve...
Liam Drew In the presence of antidepressants, the Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, can fend off antibiotics. Credit: Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library The emergence of disease-causing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is often attributed to the overuse of antibiotics in people and livestock. But researchers have homed in on another potential driver of resistance: antidepressants....
