eye-of-the-cat:

by Wildlife Online

earthandanimals:

Masai Giraffe.

*This is my own photography.*

themicrobiologist:

Enterococcus faecium is an important multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen causing biofilm-mediated infections in patients with medical devices. Insight into E. faecium biofilm pathogenesis is pivotal for the development of new strategies to prevent and treat these infections. In several bacteria, a major autolysin is essential for extracellular DNA (eDNA) release in the biofilm matrix, contributing to biofilm attachment and stability. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the major autolysin of E. faecium E1162 by a bioinformatic genome screen followed by insertional gene disruption of six putative autolysin genes. Insertional inactivation of locus tag EfmE1162_2692 resulted in resistance to lysis, reduced eDNA release, deficient cell attachment, decreased biofilm, decreased cell wall hydrolysis, and significant chaining compared to that of the wild type. Therefore, locus tag EfmE1162_2692 was considered the major autolysin in E. faecium and renamed atlA_Efm. In addition, AtlA_Efm was implicated in cell surface exposure of Acm, a virulence factor in E. faecium, and thereby facilitates binding to collagen types I and IV. This is a novel feature of enterococcal autolysins not described previously. Furthermore, we identified (and localized) autolysin-independent DNA release in E. faecium that contributes to cell-cell interactions in the atlA_Efm mutant and is important for cell separation. In conclusion, AtlA_Efm is the major autolysin in E. faecium and contributes to biofilm stability and Acm localization, making AtlA_Efm a promising target for treatment of E. faecium biofilm-mediated infections.

Source: mBio

bryankonietzko:

Ummmm…

My day is complete.

earth-phenomenon:

The Magdeburg Water Bridge : 918 m long, 34 m wide and 4.25 m deep

At first glance, the Water Bridge in Magdeburg, Germany, seems nothing special; just another canal bridge. But look again and it’s a water bridge across water, forming a water intersection that is the biggest water crossing in Europe! 

earth-phenomenon:

A monstrous dust storm (Haboob) roared through Phoenix, Arizona in July, 2011.

earth-phenomenon:

Verde River, Guadalajara, Mexico

earth-phenomenon:

Port Isaac (Cornish: Porthusek) is a small and picturesque fishing village on the Atlantic Coast of North Cornwall, England, UK. The nearest towns are Wadebridge and Camelford, both ten miles away. Port Gaverne, commonly mistaken to be part of Port Isaac, is a nearby hamlet that has its own individual history. The meaning of the name Porth Izzick (modified in English spelling) is the “corn port,” indicating a trade in wheat from the arable inland district. 

earth-phenomenon:

Chattisgargh, India.

earth-phenomenon:

Varkala Papanasam beach, Kerala

imalikshake:

I just married a frog.