Napoleon’s failed 1812 invasion of Russia remains a historic military disaster. His army entered Russia with about half a million soldiers. Yet, fewer than 100,000 returned, and some estimates fall as low as 10,000. Disease was one of several devastating forces behind this catastrophic loss.

A recent investigation uncovered clues about the infections that struck Napoleon’s troops. Researchers examined 13 teeth from male soldiers found in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania. The teeth contained preserved tissue and blood traces that held microbial DNA fragments.

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It sounds like a horror movie. A hidden parasite lurks in the brains of millions of Americans without them knowing. Yet, this is not a fictional scenario. The Toxoplasma gondii parasite lives in 40 million Americans.

The illness usually goes untreated unless it causes serious complications. However, new research sheds light on a low-risk way to stop the parasite’s replication. Researchers at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine studied the baseline function of T. gondii.

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Scientists have made a surprising discovery that could change antibiotic research. They found a new antibiotic hiding within bacteria already studied for decades. This unexpected find could open a new path for discovering life-saving drugs. It may also become a crucial tool against antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is growing worldwide. A 2023 World Health Organization report showed that one in six common bacteria resisted treatment. This marked a 40% rise since 2018, with resistance increasing by 5 to 15% each year. Such rapid growth makes finding new antibiotics more urgent than ever.

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Tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, despite being treatable and preventable. It kills about 1.6 million people every year, mostly in low-income countries.

Researchers have developed a new compound called CMX410 that targets tuberculosis bacteria. The compound shuts down a vital enzyme called polyketide synthase 13, or PKS-13. This enzyme helps the bacteria build a protective outer shell.

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Like extra bombs tucked away inside a missile, viruses hidden inside bacteria don’t seem like a great place to find new treatments. However, researchers from Penn State found viral DNA within ancient bacteria that helped them fight viruses. Specifically, the enzyme called PinQ flips a switch on bacterial genes. The result is the generation of proteins that block viruses from infecting bacteria.

By studying this mechanism, researchers may uncover new antiviral drugs and antibiotics. The discovery could also impact industrial microbiology and bioengineering.

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