Plague Still Exists. Here's Where and How It Spreads in the U.S.
Plague infections in humans are rare, but a case in Oregon reminds us that the disease is not gone
Bacteria
'Microbiome of Death' Uncovered on Decomposing Corpses Could Aid Forensics
Microbes that lurk in decomposing human corpses could help forensic detectives establish a person's time of death
Weird ‘Obelisks’ Found in Human Gut May be Virus-Like Entities
Rod-shaped fragments of RNA called “obelisks” were discovered in gut and mouth bacteria for the first time
New Class of Antibiotics Discovered Using AI
A deep-learning algorithm helped identify new compounds that are effective against antibiotic-resistant infections in mice, opening the door to AI-guided drug discovery
Subterranean ‘Microbial Dark Matter’ Reveals a Strange Dichotomy
The genes of microbes living as deep as 1.5 kilometers below the surface reveal a split between minimalist and maximalist lifestyles
What’s Causing the Mysterious Wave of Childhood Pneumonia in China?
A surge in respiratory disease in China appears to be caused by known pathogens, but the pattern of infections is still unusual
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Spiked in Florida after Hurricane Ian
A recent study found that Hurricane Ian led to a spike in cases of vibriosis, a life-threatening illness caused by water-borne Vibrio bacteria
‘Morning After’ Antibiotic Could Reduce STIs
Draft CDC guidelines recommend doxycycline for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in some populations
Millions of Mosquitoes Will Rain Down on Hawaii to Save an Iconic Bird
Hawaii’s brightly colored honeycreepers are at imminent risk of extinction, and bacteria could be the key to saving them
95 Percent of Penicillin Allergy Diagnoses Are Wrong. A New Test Could Help
A simplified penicillin allergy test could help reduce false positives, but doctors face challenges in using it
Cells Discovered Making ‘Dark Oxygen’ Underground
A chemical trick for making oxygen can sustain whole underground ecosystems
How Advocates Pushed Big Pharma to Cut Tuberculosis Drug Prices
The world’s best TB drug was too expensive for sufferers—until advocates and a YouTube star changed almost everything