Multiplexed PCR to measure growth rates of uropathogenic during experimental urinary tract infection.

Measuring bacterial growth rates is routine, however, determining growth rates during infection in host has been more challenging. Peak-to-trough ratio (PTR) is a technique for studying microbial growth dynamics, calculated using the ratio of replication origin () copies to that of the terminus (), as originally defined by whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS presents significant challenges in terms of expense and data analysis complexity due to the presence of host DNA in the samples.

Negative feedback of cyclic di-GMP levels optimizes switching between sessile and motile lifestyles in .

The signaling molecule cyclic di-GMP (cdG) controls the switch between bacterial motility and biofilm production, and fluctuations in cellular levels of cdG have been implicated in pathogenesis. Intracellular concentrations of cdG are controlled by the interplay of diguanylate cyclase (DGC) enzymes, which synthesize cdG to promote biofilms, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, which hydrolyse cdG to drive motility. To track the complete regulatory logic of how responds to changing cdG levels, we followed a timecourse of overexpression of either the diguanylate cyclase QrgB or a variant of QrgB lacking catalytic activity (QrgB*).

Production and separation of Be for use in an ion source.

Beryllium-7 (Be) was created by proton irradiation of natural (B) and enriched (B) boron targets. The targets were dissolved in nitric acid, and the Be was separated from the bulk boron target material by cation-exchange chromatography. An average recovery of (99.

Activation of a CBASS anti-phage system by quorum sensing and folate depletion.

To counteract infection with phage, bacteria have evolved a myriad of molecular defense systems. Some of these systems initiate a process called abortive infection, in which the infected cell kills itself to prevent phage propagation. However, such systems must be inhibited in the absence of phage infection to prevent spurious death of the host.