EurekAlert! News by Subject: Biology - News by Subject: Biology

Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 18-Dec-2025 09:11 ET (18-Dec-2025 14:11 GMT/UTC)

17-Dec-2025

Breakthrough: Now we can detect specific DNA with a phone

Aarhus University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Danish research group has designed proteins that search for specific DNA sequences and produce light if they find them. A light that a phone's camera easily captures.

Journal: Nature Communications

17-Dec-2025

An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team at Leibniz-HKI describes a new enzyme in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition that renders the highly toxic molecule malleicyprol harmless. Malleicyprol is considered an important virulence factor of Burkholderia bacteria, which cause, among other things, the dangerous tropical disease melioidosis. The discovery opens up new avenues for strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Germany's Excellence Strategy-EXC 2051

17-Dec-2025

Data bias reduces reliability of AI models predicting antimicrobial resistance

Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Experts are increasingly turning to machine learning to predict antibiotic resistance in pathogens. With its help, resistance mechanisms can be identified based on a pathogen’s genetics. However, the results should be viewed with caution: Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg have shown that the models are often less reliable than assumed. Their findings were published in the journal PLOS Biology. They contribute to the development of more reliable tools for predicting and combating antibiotic resistance.

Journal: PLOS Biology

17-Dec-2025

Studies reveal Asian and Singaporean women with PCOS may experience longer reproductive lifespans and more favorable reproductive outcomes than peers without PCOS

National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An international study involving researchers from Singapore, China, USA, Europe and Brazil has identified four subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Among them, the subtype with the best reproductive and health outcomes is observed in majority of the Singapore cohort. In another related Singapore study, findings show that women with PCOS could attain successful pregnancy outcomes through fertility assistance, even at older maternal ages.

Journal: Human Reproduction Open

17-Dec-2025

Young shark species more vulnerable to extinction

University of Zurich
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Among sharks and rays, species within the first four million years of existence are significantly more likely to go extinct than older species, according to a study led by researchers from the University of Zurich based on fossils from the last 145 million years. This shows that in addition to environmental stressors, the evolutionary age of species also plays a crucial role in their survival.

16-Dec-2025

Bluey’s dad offered professorial chair in archaeology at Griffith University

Griffith University
Business Announcement

Griffith University, in Queensland, Australia, is delighted to announce renowned archaeologist and 2019 Father of the Year Dr Bandit Heeler of Bluey fame has been offered a professorial chair.

16-Dec-2025

New research identifies linked energy, immune and vascular changes in ME/CFS

Macquarie University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Macquarie University–led study has identified coordinated abnormalities in cellular energy, immune function and blood vessel reactivity in people with ME/CFS, shedding new light on the condition’s underlying biology

Journal: Cell Reports Medicine
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Council NSW