Like people, bacteria get invaded by viruses. In bacteria, the viral invaders are called bacteriophages, derived from the Greek word for bacteria-eaters, or in shortened form, "phages." Scientists ...

In the current study, the scientists installed up to five distinct mutations on a single lambda phage genome without counterselection in only a few hours of hands-on time.

The viruses that infect bacteria are the most abundant biological entities on the planet. For example, a recent simple study of 92 showerheads and 36 toothbrushes from American bathrooms found more ...

During this time, the phage genome would seem to be vulnerable to any antiviral enzymes floating around the host cell. But somehow, the genome remains intact while the safe room is under construction.

Consequently, phage therapy says, “En garde! ... In addition, CRISPR-Cas9 can be programmed to cut in 10 different regions of the bacterial genome, ...

Typically, Lsr2 helps bacteria replicate its own DNA. When a phage attacks, however, the virus co-opts the protein, using it to replicate phage DNA and overwhelm the bacteria.

A jumbo phage has a genome which is more than double the size of an average phage. It's rare -- only a few hundred jumbo phages have been discovered since the first was isolated in 1978.

Co-authors with Cingolani and Briani in the DEV study, "Integrative structural analysis of Pseudomonas phage DEV reveals a genome ejection motor," are Ravi K. Lokareddy, UAB Department of ...

As the globe faces a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria—making traditional antibiotics ineffective—specific viruses could offer a solution.