Latest news with #Streptomyces
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Could a powerful new antibiotic be lurking in your back garden? As pilgrims flock to Northern Irish holy site for 'healing soil', scientists reveal secrets that could help us beat the resistance crisis
For hundreds of years, people have flocked to a churchyard in a small village in Northern Ireland to gather handfuls of soil known for its healing properties. Locals believe wrapping dirt from the Sacred Heart Church in Boho, County Fermanagh, in a cloth and applying it to the skin can cure ailments, from toothache to throat infections. And, in 2018, when scientists ran checks on the soil, they found something extraordinary. It contained a previously undiscovered strain of a family of bacteria called Streptomyces. Many bacteria naturally produce 'home-made' antibiotics to attack other bugs competing for resources – but Streptomyces are among the most prolific. Because of this, scientists have been using previously discovered strains for decades to produce antibiotics, such as erythromycin (used to treat everything from chest infections to acne). But when scientists tested the new strain of Streptomyces, they found it produced a compound that was able to kill bacteria that had become resistant to existing antibiotics – raising hopes that it could ultimately help combat antibiotic resistance. Resistance has emerged because of overuse – and misuse – in medicine and farming. The World Health Organisation calls it 'one of the biggest threats to global health today'. The resistant bugs the new antibiotic were able to destroy included both MRSA and those already immune to vancomycin, widely regarded as the antibiotic of last resort. Dr Gerry Quinn, a microbiologist at the University of Ulster, and one of the team which found the new antibiotic lurking in the soil, says the bacteria that produce it – which researchers named Streptomyces sp. myrophorea – is common in the limestone hills surrounding the churchyard in Boho. Its presence here and in other limestone-rich areas of the world, he believes, may partly explain why certain sites of religious significance spring up where they do. Dr Quinn told Good Health: 'Even if you look at places like Lourdes [a Catholic pilgrimage site in France, where the water is said to have healing properties] or Medjugorje [a similar site in Bosnia and Herzegovina], the same kind of geology exists where you can find these organisms.' In a paper published in the Journal of Religion and Health earlier this year, Dr Quinn cites numerous examples where, according to folklore, soil is believed to have powerful infection-fighting qualities – he is convinced that such locations could be a goldmine in the search for new medicines. And potential new antibiotics are being uncovered in other unlikely places. Scientists at McMaster University in Canada revealed in April that they had found a possible candidate in the back garden of one of the researchers. Called lariocidin, it was cultivated from a soil sample that contained bacteria called paenibacillus, which can trigger urinary and skin infections and endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart), reported the journal Nature. What made lariocidin so exciting was that it had a completely different mode of action from most antibiotics – which usually attack the wall or coating surrounding the bacteria. Lariocidin instead binds to a receptor on the bacteria and stops it from reading its own genetic instructions on how to survive and reproduce – killing it rapidly. In tests, lariocidin destroyed a bug called mycobacteria, which causes tuberculosis. The McMaster team are now looking at how lariocidin might be developed into a medicine. Many drug companies have pulled out of antibiotic research because of the difficulties they face developing drugs that won't rapidly become ineffective due to resistance – costing them money. But if bacteria can so easily become resistant to antibiotic drugs used in humans, why doesn't the same happen when they encounter natural antibiotics in the ground or in water? The answer, says Paul Dyson, a professor of molecular microbiology at Swansea University, is that 'bacteria in soil are constantly exposed to a range of different antibiotics produced by rival organisms. They might in theory evolve resistance to one of those but they don't stand a chance fighting off all of them.' He adds: 'Yet in medicine we usually only treat patients with one single antibiotic at a time. 'If we routinely gave all patients two different antibiotics instead of one, it would mean the bacteria would have to evolve resistance to both – which is much less likely to happen.' Rather than increase resistance, this strategy would, he believes, reduce the problem. In a 2021 study at Emory University in the US, scientists tested two antibiotics together – streptomycin and nalidixic acid – against and found the bug was less likely to develop resistance when the drugs were given in combination, rather than individually, reported the journal PNAS. Meanwhile, Dr Quinn says: 'We are reaching a crisis in antibiotic therapy. But I'm confident that exploring how these antibiotics work in their natural environment in the soil will help us to crack the drug resistance problem.' ... and check your bird bath for clues too! Several initiatives aimed at discovering new antibiotics lurking in the soil or water are utilising the help of the British public. One called Antibiotics Unearthed, encourages people to collect soil samples from different locations (such as forests), which are then tested for potential new antibiotics by scientists in the lab. A similar scheme – Citizen Phage – is recruiting volunteers to collect water samples from rivers, bird baths and garden ponds to be tested for the presence of phages (viruses capable of destroying bacteria). Researchers at Exeter University, writing in the journal Microorganisms last year, described how water samples sent in by the public produced new phages capable of destroying Klebsiella pneumoniae – a common cause of urinary tract and chest infections and a bug that is increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Why rain might be the secret to a happier, healthier you
Rainy days, mainly carry a reputation for gloom, but for many people, they offer unexpected comfort. The gentle rhythm of falling rain, the cool breeze, and that familiar earthy scent can bring a sense of calm we didn't know we needed. While we may be tempted to stay indoors and label the day as dreary, rain can actually help us slow down and reflect. Science shows that rain affects our mood in real, measurable ways—easing stress, improving focus, and even promoting better sleep. Feeling calm after rain? Thank negative ions If you are also one of those who step outside after a rainfall and feel instantly refreshed, that uplifting sensation may be thanks to negative ions, which are tiny, invisible particles released when raindrops collide with hard surfaces like soil or pavement. According to Dr. Niek Buurma , a chemistry researcher at Cardiff University, these ions are formed when falling water picks up extra electrons, which are then transferred to oxygen molecules in the air. 'There are clear indications that people feel more positive after inhaling negative ions,' says Dr. Buurma. Hde further says that they may help reduce stress, lift mood, and increase energy levels, mainly in natural environments like waterfalls, oceans, or rainstorms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Although the exact reason is still uner research, studies have suggested that negative ions may mimic the effects of light therapy, commonly used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They're believed to stimulate serotonin production in the brain, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and emotional balance. This could explain why many people feel calmer, clearer, and more mentally 'reset' after a storm passes. So next time you're caught in the rain, take a deep breath—it might just be nature's version of a mental recharge. That earthy rain smell? Here's why it makes you feel good Almost everybody loves that familiar, earthy smell that fills the air after a rainfall. It's called petrichor—a term coined in 1964 by Australian researchers Isabel Joy Bear and R.G. Thomas. This scent arises when raindrops hit dry soil, releasing compounds like geosmin, a molecule produced by soil-dwelling bacteria such as Streptomyces. Geosmin is incredibly potent—even small traces are enough for the human nose to detect it. While there is limited clinical research on the direct psychological effects of petrichor, scholars suggest its scent can trigger relaxation, positive memories, and a sense of calm. According to Dr. Iain Fraser , a chemist at the UK's Natural Environment Research Council, petrichor often evokes nostalgia and emotional warmth, possibly because our brains associate the smell with the comfort of rain, greenery, and change. In a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology , researchers highlighted how smells linked to nature (like rain, soil, and grass) can reduce stress by activating the brain's limbic system—the part responsible for emotion and memory. This supports why many people instinctively feel more at peace or 'refreshed' after smelling rain-washed air. So while petrichor may not yet be a certified therapy, it certainly acts like a natural form of aromatherapy, soothing the senses and uplifting the spirit—especially when we need a quiet moment of connection with nature. How rain sounds help your brain relax, according to science Listening to the sound of rain isn't just calming, it can actually change the way your brain works. A scientific study using EEG (brainwave analysis) found that rain sounds can increase something called alpha wave activity in the brain. These alpha waves are linked to a relaxed, peaceful state of mind, helping you feel less anxious or stressed. According to researchers, when people listened to rain and water sounds—especially in hot, humid environments—their brains showed more alpha wave activity. This means the rain sounds helped move their brains out of high-alert 'fight-or-flight' mode and into a more mindful and calm state. The researchers used a special technique called Fourier transform to break down the sound frequencies and found that natural rain and water sounds have patterns that actually soothe the brain. Why rain helps you think clearer and feel calmer The gentle sound of rainfall is more than just soothing—it actually activates relaxation pathways in the brain, helping to lower stress hormones like cortisol and support emotional balance. That's why rain sounds are so popular in mindfulness, meditation, and bedtime routines. But there's more: a fascinating study published in Psychology of Music explored how different background sounds—including rain—affect our ability to focus on tasks like solving maths problems. Researchers found that when participants had to solve difficult arithmetic problems, silence made them slower and less accurate, while rain sounds helped boost their focus and performance. Interestingly, introverts were generally faster than extroverts—except when it rained. The sound of heavy rain helped extroverts perform just as quickly, likely because the steady rhythm increased mental alertness without being distracting Make rain part of your self-care routine Play recordings of rain during focus work, meditation, or sleep. Step outside during a light drizzle and soak in the air and quiet. Open a window and breathe deeply. Let the natural pink noise relax you. Use rainy days to reflect, write, or rest, embracing the cozy slowdown. Rainy days may seem dreary, but science says they're anything but. From negative ions and calming sounds to fresh air and mindful immersion, rain is a natural mental-health ally. Also Read: Harvard experts share 10 amazing benefits of swimming lessons for kids
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
What the Shenzhou-20 astronauts are doing after over 50 days in space
This video screenshot taken at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 22, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong leaving China's orbiting space station for extravehicular activities. (Xinhua/Li Yanchen) BEIJING (June 18): Imagine living and working hundreds of miles above Earth for over 50 days. This sci-fi scene has been a reality for China's Shenzhou-20 crew — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie — aboard the Tiangong Space Station. Far from a quiet getaway, a short video released by China's state television broadcaster CCTV on Monday showed their 'space business trip,' which is packed with vital scientific work, health checks, and station upkeep, all of which are crucial for future space exploration. The astronaut trio are in good condition and the multi-disciplinary space science experiments are advancing smoothly, according to the CCTV report. The crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Chen Dong, was launched into orbit on April 24 for a six-month mission. Over the past week, they devoted substantial time to space medicine research. During their research, they have explored fundamental aspects of cognitive function in microgravity, focusing on teamwork dynamics, self-awareness in isolation and how astronauts perceive motion, depth, and relationships absent Earth's gravity. These studies are critical for ensuring safe operations during spacewalks and complex tasks. In addition, they also conducted routine vascular ultrasound scans tracked changes in cardiovascular function over time and used apparatus to capture subtle changes in control and coordination during precise tasks like equipment operation or sample handling, according to the report. On the front of life science, they focused on the 'effects and mechanisms of space microgravity on microorganisms' experiment. The video showed that in Tiangong's specialized biotechnology experiment rack, the crew observed the growth, developmental patterns, and bioactive compound synthesis of Streptomyces bacteria in weightlessness. This research is expected to reveal new biological adaptations and potential applications for space-based pharmaceutical research. The crew carefully sampled liquid cultures, preserving the samples for their eventual journey back to Earth. Another highlight of their daily routine, in addition to the meticulous space station upkeep, is their rigorous exercise to counter the physical toll of microgravity. The video captures the astronauts running on a treadmill in the space module. Beyond exercise, the crew undergoes regular checkups like detailed heart monitoring and blood pressure tracking. They also participate in unique health assessments based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, according to the report. China's space station has now hosted over 200 scientific projects, with nearly 2 tonnes of scientific materials and applied equipment sent to orbit and nearly 100 experimental samples returned to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency. – Xinhua astronaut China space space station
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Science
- RTÉ News
Here's why soil smells so good after it rains
Analysis: The smell called petrichor is a reminder of the fascinating and extremely valuable bacteria that thrive in the ground beneath your feet By Klas Flärdh, Lund University and Paul Becher, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Did you ever wonder what causes that earthy smell that rises after a light summer rain? That mysterious scent has been called " petrichor", and a main component of it is an organic compound called geosmin, which lingers around moist soil. Geosmin comes from the ancient Greek "geo", meaning earth, and "osme", meaning smell. We use this scent as an ingredient in perfumes and it is what gives beetroot its earthy flavour. Geosmin can also be perceived as an "off" flavour in water and wine. Animals can detect geosmin. Fruit flies, for example, dislike geosmin and they avoid anything that smells of it, possibly to avoid contaminated and potentially toxic food. But why is geosmin made in the soil? As part of a team of scientists from Sweden, the UK and Hungary, we discovered the fascinating biology behind this enigmatic compound. Smells like (microbial) team spirit Scientists have known since the 1960s that geosmin is made by microorganisms in the soil, primarily by bacteria with the scientific name Streptomyces. These bacteria are abundant in soil and are among nature´s best chemists, as they make a wide range of molecules (called specialised metabolites) from which many antibiotics derive. Streptomycetes and their close relatives make thousands of different specialised metabolites – a true treasure trove for the potential discovery of new antibiotics. It turns out that all streptomycetes have the gene for making geosmin, suggesting that it has an important function. But what do these bacteria gain from producing geosmin? This has been a longstanding mystery. In our recent study, we found that geosmin is part of the chemical language in a mutually beneficial relationship between Streptomyces bacteria and springtails, insect-like organisms that are abundant in the ground. We discovered this by asking if there could be soil organisms out there that would be attracted to the smell of Streptomyces. We baited traps with colonies of Streptomyces coelicolor and placed them in a field. Our traps captured several types of soil organisms, including spiders and mites. But strikingly, it was springtails that showed a particular preference for the traps baited with geosmin-producing Streptomyces. Using a particular species of springtail, Folsomia candida, we tested how these creatures sense and react to geosmin. We placed electrodes on their tiny antennae (the average body size of springtail is about 2mm) and detected which smells stimulated them. Geosmin and the related earthy odorant 2-methylisoborneol were sensed by the antennae, which is essentially the creature's nose. By studying springtails walking in Y-shaped glass tubes, we saw they had a strong preference for the arm that smelled of these earthy compounds. The benefit for the animals seems to be that the odours lead them to a source of food. While geosmin-emitting microbes are often toxic to other organisms which avoid them, we found that it did no harm to the springtails we tested. But how does producing these compounds benefit the bacteria? Streptomycetes normally grow as mycelium – a network of long, branching cells that entwine with the soil they grow in. When they run out of nutrients or conditions in the soil deteriorate, the bacteria escape and spread to new places by making spores that can be spread by wind or water. Our new finding is that spore production also includes the release of those earthy odorants that are attractive to springtails – and that helps spread the spores by another route. As the springtails grazed on a Streptomyces colony, we saw spores sticking to their cuticle (the outer surface of the animal). Springtails have a special anti-adhesive and water-repellent surface that bacteria typically don't stick to, but Streptomyces spores can adhere, probably because they have their own water-repellent surface layer. Spores eaten by the springtails can also survive and be excreted in faecal pellets. So, springtails help spread Streptomyces spores as they travel through the soil, in much the same way pollinating bees are lured to visit flowers and take with them the pollen grains that adhere to their bodies and fertilise the other plants they visit. Birds eat attractive berries or fruits and help the plant to spread its seeds with their droppings. Next time you encounter that earthy smell, let it be a reminder of the fascinating and extremely valuable bacteria that thrive in the ground beneath your feet. You might be listening in on an ancient type of communication between bacteria and the creatures that live with them in the soil.
Scroll.in
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scroll.in
Antibiotic resistance is millions of years old – modern medicine could learn from this history
Antibiotics are widely considered one of the most important advances in the history of medicine. Their introduction into clinical practice during the 1940s marked a major milestone in the control of infectious diseases, and these medicines have since improved human health and prolonged life expectancy. Today, bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a global threat, and presents a major challenge to medicine. Antibiotics' extensive and often indiscriminate use in medicine, veterinary clinics and agriculture has created the ideal conditions for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to emerge. However, this phenomenon is older than previously thought. Bacteria already had resistance mechanisms long before the discovery and introduction of antibiotics into clinical practice. This indicates that antibiotic resistance is a much more complex, widespread and deep-rooted ancestral evolutionary phenomenon than initially assumed. Studies have documented antibiotic resistance mechanisms in micro-organisms isolated from natural habitats, where human influence is minimal or non-existent. These environments include deep underground layers and the ocean floor, as well as ancient environments such as isolated caves and permafrost. Interestingly, many of the resistance mechanisms described in these untouched environments – whose origins date back thousands or even millions of years – are similar or even identical to those observed in present-day pathogenic bacteria. This suggests that the conservation and transmission of resistance mechanisms throughout evolution provides a selective advantage. Surviving in the ice The resistance genes found in permafrost samples from 30,000 years ago bear a striking resemblance to those found today. These strains were as resistant as more modern ones that have been observed to resist β-lactam antibiotics, tetracyclines and vancomycin. Staphylococcus strains resistant to aminoglycosides and β-lactams have also been isolated from 3.5 million year old permafrost samples. There are even older examples, such as Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico, USA, an environment considered isolated for 4 million years. Nevertheless, a 2016 study found Streptomyces and Paenibacillus bacteria in Lecheguilla that were resistant to most of the antibiotics used in clinical practice today. 'Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ' is the full name for a multidrug-resistant bacterium that causes serious infections. A 2022 study concluded that certain strains were resistant long before the use of this group of antibiotics – it was their adaptation to hedgehogs infected by similar antibiotic-producing fungi that gave them a survival advantage. An arms race to survive Research has revealed that competition for resources and adaptation to different habitats were key factors in the evolution of antibiotic resistance. In pre-drug environments, natural antibiotics not only played an ecological role in inhibiting the growth of competitors, but also supported the survival of producer species. In addition, very small amounts of antibiotics acted as communication molecules, influencing the interactions and balance of microbial communities. This dynamic environment favoured the evolution of defensive strategies in antibiotic-exposed micro-organisms, whether antibiotic-producing or co-existing. This, in turn, drove the diversification and spread of resistance mechanisms over time. However, the presence of these mechanisms in isolated, pre-antibiotic-era environments raises questions about how resistance has originated and spread throughout microbial evolution. The study of these processes is key to understanding their impact on the current antibiotic resistance crisis. Looking forward by looking backward It is now suggested that antibiotic resistance genes may have been transmitted first from environmental micro-organisms to human commensal organisms, and then to pathogens. This process of transfer from the environment to the human environment is random: the more prevalent a resistance mechanism is in the environment, the more likely it is to be transferred. Reservoirs of resistance in the environment can accelerate bacterial evolution towards multiple drug resistance under antibiotic pressure. It is therefore crucial to consider the vast diversity of these resistance genes within microbial populations when developing or implementing new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. As Winston Churchill said, 'the longer you can look back, the further you can look forward'. This reflection underlines the importance of studying the past in order to understand and anticipate future risks. Researching ancestral resistance not only provides information on the evolutionary history of resistance genes, it can also help us predict how they will evolve in the future. This knowledge allows us to anticipate potential resistance mechanisms, which improves our ability to meet future challenges in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
