Microbes

  1. Microbes

    The year in microbiomes

    This year, scientists pegged microbes as important players in several aspects of human health, including obesity and cancer.

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  2. Microbes

    Year in review: Science faces Ebola epidemic

    West Africa’s 2014 Ebola epidemic showed what can happen when a contagious virus emerges where cultural practices, public fears and porous borders fuel the spread of disease.

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  3. Microbes

    Microbes floating among clouds may munch on sugar

    Floating in a cloud and noshing sweets while wrapped in a cozy bubble sounds like a pleasant dream. For some lucky bacteria, it may be a reality.

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  4. Animals

    Vulture guts are filled with noxious bacteria

    Vultures’ guts are chock-full of bacteria that sicken other creatures.

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  5. Environment

    Colorado deluge produced flood of drug-resistance genes

    Flooding in Colorado’s South Platte River Basin washed antibiotics and drug-resistance genes into pristine waterways.

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  6. Archaeology

    Feedback

    Readers ask questions about a study on sweeteners, how scientists recognize primitive tools and the purpose of a dinosaur's sail.

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  7. Microbes

    Feedback

    Readers shares stories about bacteria, discuss ancient volcanic eruptions and express a fondness for science-inspired art.

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  8. Animals

    Ten real-life Halloween horrors in the natural world

    Vampires and witches are nothing compared to mind-controlling parasites, nose ticks and antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

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  9. Microbes

    Frozen caribou feces offers look at virus evolution

    Genetic material extracted from caribou poop gives hints about how viruses evolve.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Feedback

    Readers discuss methods to prevent sepsis and whether genes are thrifty, while Tina Saey clears up some confusion regarding Ebola's airborne status.

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  11. Microbes

    Microbes can redeem themselves to fight disease

    With some genetic engineering, bacteria can morph from bad to good and help attack invading cancer cells.

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  12. Microbes

    Gut bacteria protein linked to anorexia and bulimia

    Gut bacteria may play a role in eating disorders, a new study suggests.

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