Mostly Microbes and Infection - by David Ojcius

Structured RNA elements across the norovirus genome were mapped and functionally tested, revealing conserved motifs that regulate replication and translation. Disrupting key structures reduced viral fitness in cells and animals, enabling design of a stable attenuated virus that elicits protective immunity and supports RNA‑guided antiviral strategies.

A comprehensive proteomic analysis of Plasmodium falciparum chromatin identified 214 proteins associated with heterochromatin, euchromatin, and (peri)centromeric regions. Using three proximity-labeling methods, researchers uncovered new epigenetic factors, complexes involved in histone variant exchange and chromatin-RNA interactions, and evidence for a spindle assembly checkpoint previously thought absent.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic pathogen with significant pandemic potential due to its broad host range, cross-species transmission capacity, and ability to evade immune responses. This review examines NiV structure, pathogenesis, and the latest progress in vaccine development, highlighting promising candidates, key scientific challenges, knowledge gaps, and priorities for future prevention and control efforts.

Plant-microbe interactions are essential for sustainable agriculture, improving crop productivity, soil fertility, and resilience to stress. This review examines the role of plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) as biofertilizers and microbial inoculants, their mechanisms of action, factors influencing their effectiveness, and emerging technologies that support environmentally friendly farming and enhanced food security.

Mucin plays a key role in shaping interactions between enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica and its mucus-adherent phage fMtkYen801. In vitro, mucin exposure increased phage replication by 100-fold, altered post-infection bacterial growth, and reduced biofilm formation. Resistant variants acquired mutations linked to virulence, quorum sensing, and antibiotic resistance, highlighting implications for phage therapy.

A 10-year study of 154 ocular MRSA isolates in Taiwan found major shifts in bacterial clones, with formerly dominant CC59 declining and fluoroquinolone-resistant CC8 increasing. While CC59 remained highly susceptible to fluoroquinolones, CC8 showed marked resistance, raising concerns about standard empirical treatment for eye infections and underscoring the need for ongoing molecular surveillance.