Many bacteria possess cell density-dependent quorum-sensing (QS) systems that often regulate cooperative secretions involved
in host-microbe or microbe-microbe interactions. These secretions, or “public goods,” are frequently coregulated by stress and
starvation responses. Here we provide a physiological rationale for such regulatory complexity in the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using minimal-medium...
With the loss of field burning the amount of crop residue that remains in perennial ryegrass fields has increased. As the amount of crop residue remaining in the field increases so does annual bluegrass. This has resulted in the increased use of herbicides to control annual bluegrass. However, this increased...
Pseudoloma neurophilia is the most common pathogen reported in zebrafish (Danio rerio) research facilities and is an important threat to the zebrafish model. This microsporidian parasite can cause clinical disease, but more importantly is a causative agent of non-protocol induced variation in research. Studies utilizing infected zebrafish, could potentially confound...
The leaf surface is a stark environment for bacterial colonists with limited
availability of nutrients, water and protected niches. Despite these limitations, a
plethora of bacteria appear to have adapted ways to survive and flourish on leaf
surfaces. One mechanism of survival is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are a...
Bacterial contamination of food poses a great risk to human health worldwide. A
chromatophore cell-based biosensor, utilizing B. splendens erythrophore cells, is an
emerging technology that has shown potential to detect bacterial toxicity based on
function-dependent mechanisms. Previous studies have investigated the response of
erythrophore cells to foodborne pathogens, pesticides,...
Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) have attracted much research attention in recent years due to their promising applications in renewable energy generation, bioremediation, and wastewater treatment. In a MES, microorganisms interact with electrodes via electrons, catalyzing oxidation and reduction reactions at the anode and the cathode.
The bacterial community of a...
Aquifers are an important storage location and source of fresh groundwater. They may become polluted by a number of contaminants including mobile divalent radionuclides such as strontium-90 which is a byproduct of uranium fission. A method for remediating such divalent radionuclides is sequestration through co-precipitation into calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate...
Pseudomonas is a diverse genus of Gram-negative bacteria that includes pathogens of plants, insects, and humans as well as environmental strains with no known pathogenicity. Pseudomonas fluorescens itself encompasses a heterologous group of bacteria that are prevalent in soil and on foliar and root surfaces of plants. Some strains of...
Cell-based biosensors are function-based detectors that use the physiological response of a living cell to sense biologically stimulating agents. This emerging technology extends the application of current detection methods by reporting on the toxicity of a sample and the potential to cause disease. Previously, Betta splendens erythrophores have been described...