University of Minnesota
BioTechnology Institute
Bacteria able to transfer electrons to conductive surfaces are of interest as catalysts in microbial fuel cells, as well as in bioprocessing, bioremediation, and corrosion. New procedures for immobilization of Geobacter sulfurreducens on... more
Transgenic mouse mutation detection systems allow investigation of the origins and mechanisms of mutation associated with exogenous and endogenous mutagen exposures in individual tissues and cell types. In the past, selection assays for... more
Applications of gene technology in agriculture, the environment and human health fields are reviewed. This case study of the intricate historical details of the development of Bt crops like cotton and rice unveils essential elements of... more
- by Tonya Ward
The primate gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of bacteria, whose composition is associated with numerous metabolic, auto-immune, and infectious human diseases. Although there is increasing evidence that modern and Westernized... more
- by Tonya Ward
Background: Bacteremia, or bloodstream infection (BSI), is a leading cause of death among patients with certain types of cancer. A previous study reported that intestinal domination, defined as occupation of at least 30 % of the... more
- by Tonya Ward
The microbes colonizing the infant gastrointestinal tract have been implicated in later-life disease states such as allergies and obesity. Recently, the medical research community has begun to realize that very early colonization events... more
- by Tonya Ward
It has previously been shown that domestic dogs and their household owners share bacterial populations, and that sharing of bacteria between humans is facilitated through the presence of dogs in the household. However, less is known... more
- by Tonya Ward
With the advent of next-generation sequencing and microbial community characterization, we are beginning to understand the key factors that shape early-life microbial colonization and associated health outcomes. Studies characterizing... more
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium continues to be a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide and pork can serve as a source of infection. Co-infection of S. enterica with Lawsonia intracellularis, a common intestinal pathogen of... more
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is now widely used to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, but has been less studied as a means to restore microbiome diversity and composition following antibiotic or chemotherapy... more
Red-shanked doucs (Pygathrix nemaeus) are endangered, foregut-fermenting colobine primates which are difficult to maintain in captivity. There are critical gaps in our understanding of their natural lifestyle, including dietary habits... more
- by Tonya Ward