Scientists seek answers on what activates deadly anthrax spores
Scientists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and three other institutions are setting out to find what activates the spores in anthrax, the deadly bacterial infection that is back in the news. "A key aspect of anthrax spore biology concerns the germination process through which the dormant spore becomes a reproductive, disease-causing bacterium," explained Al Claiborne, Ph.D...Pillows - a hot bed of fungal spores
Researchers at The University of Manchester funded by the Fungal Research Trust have discovered millions of fungal spores right under our noses - in our pillows. Aspergillus fumigatus, the species most commonly found in the pillows, is most likely to cause disease; and the resulting condition Aspergillosis has become the leading infectious cause of death in leukaemia and bone marrow tr...Anthrax spores may survive water treatment
Anthrax spores may survive traditional drinking water disinfection methods and can attach themselves to the inside surface of water pipes, suggesting water treatment facilities should be prepared to employ alternate disinfection methods in the unlikely event of the release of anthrax in the water supply. Researchers report their findings today at the 2006 ASM Biodefense Research Meeting. <p...Airborne mold spores increase kids' risk for multiple allergies
University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers say exposure to a certain group of fungal spores--abundant in the air that we breathe every day--can make young children more susceptible to developing multiple allergies later in life. The team found that infants who were exposed to basidiospores and other airborne fungal spores--specifically penicillium/aspergillus and alternaria--early in life...Single molecular 'mark' seen as pivotal for genome compaction in spores and sperm
In higher order animals, genetic information is passed from parents to offspring via sperm or eggs, also known as gametes. In some single-celled organisms, such as yeast, the genes can be passed to the next generation in spores. In both reproductive strategies, major physical changes occur in the genetic material after it has been duplicated and then halved on the way to the production of mature...Fungal spores in the pillows can trigger an asthma attack
Professor Ashley Woodcock and his team from the University of Manchester have found 16 types of potentially harmful fungi in the pillows they analyzed. These fungi act as a trigger for an asthma attack//. The results of the research are reported in the Journal Allergy. Researchers collected samples from 5 synthetic and 5 feather pillows and compared their fungal load. Researchers found that all t...Anthrax Spores May Resist Water Treatment
The need for effective disinfection of anthrax spores was highlighted in the ASM Biodefense Research Meeting, held recently. // It has now been found that anthrax spores may develop resistance against the currently adopted disinfection methods due to their improved ability to attach and adapt to the interior of water pipes. The researchers have therefore pointed out to the need for al...Anthrax Spores: Animal Skins on Drums, Renders Vado Diomande, Sick
Mr. Vado Diomande, a childhood dancer, from the tender age of 4, known widely for his frenetic pace of “Mask Dance” has suffered a setback to his health. No, this was not an accidental fall from the stilts, as it was thought to be. // On Thursday, Mr Diomande collapsed soon after a performance, the reason, it is believed is due to inhalation of anthrax spores. This might have occurred...The Source of Anthrax Spores Traced!
Christopher Norris, aged 50 years old, who hailed from Edinburgh, had died due to anthrax poisoning, contracted from his work on animal skins. // Scrutiny by the NHS revealed that the spores were from a workshop in Northumberland where Mr. Norris allegedly attended classes. The spores were present in three drums and two imported animal skins used to make African drums. It is estimated...