Latest news with #Pseudomonas
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Science
- Scoop
Volcanic Life Under The Microscope: Scientists Identify Optimal DNA Extraction Method For Microbial Research
June 17, 2025 A research team from Skoltech, the Institute of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Problems of Soil Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and other scientific organizations in Russia and the U.S. conducted a study of microbial communities living in extreme conditions in the fumarolic fields of the Elbrus (Russia), Ushkovsky (Russia), and Fuji (Japan) volcanoes. The authors discovered the most efficient technique for separating DNA from microbial samples and demonstrated that the microbial communities of every volcanic region are distinct and influenced by the geochemical conditions of their environment. The findings were published in the Nature Scientific Reports journal. Volcanoes are one of the most mysterious and captivating places on Earth. Cracks or openings in the Earth's crust on their slopes and at their bases lead to the release of hot gases and steam. These regions are known as fumarolic fields, forming in zones of volcanic activity where magma heats underground water, converting it into vapor. Despite these harsh conditions, life exists even there — archaea and bacteria thrive on fumaroles with interesting adaptational mechanisms that remain largely unexplored. 'Samples collected from fumaroles represent a highly challenging material for DNA extraction. Meanwhile, thermophilic bacteria capable of surviving at extreme temperatures possess intriguing adaptive strategies. Our study provided the first description of microbial communities inhabiting the fumaroles of Elbrus, Ushkovsky, and Mount Fuji. Samples taken from beneath the snow cover on Elbrus exhibited a soil surface temperature of approximately +22.5°C. Summer collections from the Ushkovsky Volcano yielded specimens from a fumarolic area with a surface temperature reaching up to +68.4°C. Fuji samples consisted of frozen sediment deposits. After collection, all samples were preserved at -20°C,' explained lead author Alla Shevchenko, a PhD student in the Life Sciences program at Skoltech. Researchers used different methods of soil sample pulverization prior to DNA extraction — vertical and horizontal homogenization (mixing). Vertical homogenization proved more effective regarding both DNA yield and detection of archaeal sequences when compared to horizontal homogenization. 'The majority of DNA was extracted via vertical homogenization. Variations in microbial populations correlate with specific features of each volcano. Acidobacteria and Pseudomonas dominate the soils of Elbrus. Ushkovsky fumaroles harbor numerous members of the Crenarchaeota group. Fuji's frozen soil harbors fewer microorganisms overall but retains Actinomyces and additional species of bacteria,' stated Professor Mikhail Gelfand, a study co-author and research supervisor, the vice president for biomedical research at Skoltech. These findings highlight the significance of selecting an optimal methodology for sample preparation, particularly under extreme conditions. Microorganisms residing within fumaroles serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change. Their adaptability mirrors ecosystem responses to factors like temperature, moisture levels, pH values, and heavy metal concentrations. Changes in the structure and composition of bacterial and fungal colonies could be a sign of global warming, thermal regime shifts, and anthropogenic impacts. Note: Skoltech is a private international university in Russia, cultivating a new generation of leaders in technology, science, and business. As a factory of technologies, it conducts research in breakthrough fields and promotes technological innovation to solve critical problems that face Russia and the world. Skoltech focuses on six priority areas: life sciences, health, and agro; telecommunications, photonics, and quantum technologies; artificial intelligence; advanced materials and engineering; energy efficiency and the energy transition; and advanced studies. Established in 2011 in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Skoltech was listed among the world's top 100 young universities by the Nature Index in its both editions (2019, 2021). On the Institute ranks as Russian university No. 2 overall and No. 1 for genetics and materials science. In the recent SCImago Institutions Rankings, Skoltech placed first nationwide for computer science. Website:
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Coca-Cola Recall Update as FDA Issues Risk Warning for Contaminated Drink
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned its second most serious risk level, Class II, to a recall of Topo Chico mineral water, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, following the identification of potential contamination with Pseudomonas bacteria. Newsweek reached out to The Coca-Cola Company, which issued the recall, via email for comment outside of regular working hours. Why It Matters The FDA categorizes its recalls from Class I through to Class III. A Class II recall refers to instances when "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences" or if the chance of "adverse health consequences is remote." Pseudomonas is a common group of bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the type that most commonly causes infections, and patients in health care settings are the most vulnerable, including those on ventilators, those with catheters and those with open wounds, according to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stock image of a person holding a glass of sparkling water. Stock image of a person holding a glass of sparkling water. Getty Images What To Know The recall began on May 28, 2025, and was initiated by The Coca-Cola Company. The FDA issued the Class II risk classification on June 17, 2025. The recall was issued due to the potential presence of Pseudomonas in the mineral water. According to the FDA's release, "The firm was notified by their distributor that product placed on hold was released and shipped to customers." The recall involved 241 cases of Topo Chico Mineral Water Carbonated 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) bottles. The products can be identified by the following details: UPC: 0 21136 18061 9 (bottle), 0 21136 18062 6 (case) Lot Numbers: 11 A 2543, 12 A 2543, and 13 A 2541 Manufactured in Mexico by CIA. TOPO CHICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., Monterrey The affected bottles of Topo Chico were shipped to five states: Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. Coca-Cola has owned the sparkling mineral water brand Top Chico since 2017. The beverage giant owns a significant number of brands, including Sprite, Fanta, Smartwater and Powerade. What People Are Saying The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reads: "Pseudomonas is a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water. The most common type causing infections among humans is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, or other parts of the body after surgery." What Happens Next The recall is ongoing.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Check Your Fridge: Dr Pepper Is Recalling More Than 19,000 Cans in 3 States
The FDA has reclassified a recall for Dr Pepper Zero Sugar as a Class II recall. The 19,203 affected sodas were recalled due to incorrect labeling, as the beverages were found to contain the same amount of sugar as regular Dr Pepper. Customers who have purchased the recalled sodas, which were sold across three states, can return to them to their place of purchase for a full United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded an important recall for Dr Pepper over critical mislabeling. On May 23, the FDA and Dr Pepper issued an initial, voluntary recall for more than 19,000 cans of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, which, as their name implies, were labeled as having no sugar, but were later found to contain the full amount of sugar included in classic Dr Pepper. This makes the beverages potentially dangerous for those who are sensitive to sugar, including people with diabetes. On June 5, the FDA reclassified the recall as a Class II, which it describes as a "situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." As outlined in the FDA's notice, the recall includes 19,203 cans, which were packaged in 12- or 24-pack cases of 12-fluid-ounce cans. Affected items will have the product code XXXXRS05165, and each case comes with a 'Best By' date of February 16, 2026. The cases were distributed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. If you have already bought the recalled product, the FDA notes that you can return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. Unfortunately for consumers, this isn't the only beverage currently affected by an FDA recall. Earlier in June, Coca-Cola issued a voluntary recall of its Topo Chico mineral water in five states due to concerns about potential Pseudomonas contamination, a bacteria that can be deadly to individuals with weakened immune systems. The Topo Chico recall included five states, Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas, where the product was distributed to 40 different Costco locations. Just like with the recalled Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, consumers can simply return the mineral water to their place of purchase for a refund. Related: 20 Million Eggs Pulled from Shelves After CDC Traces Deadly Bacteria to California Facility Although it may seem like there's been an increase in the number of food and drink recalls over the past year, this isn't quite the case — but the number of hospitalizations associated with recalls is up year-over-year. As Food & Wine previously reported, while the combined number of recalls issued by the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) declined in 2023, the number of hospitalizations and deaths caused by recalled items more than doubled, totaling 487 hospitalizations and 19 deaths in 2024. If you've accidentally purchased or consumed a recalled item, it's critical to take the issue seriously and reach out to your medical provider as recalled: Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, packaged in 12- or 24-pack cases of 12-fluid-ounce cans Reason for recall: Incorrectly labeled as sugar-free Number of cans recalled: 19,203 Product code: XXXXRS05165 States affected: Florida, Georgia, and South CarolinaRead the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dr Pepper recall upgraded over serious health risk
A recall on cases of Dr Pepper has been upgraded due to a serious health risk. On May 23, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Dr Pepper issued a voluntary recall on 19,203 12-pack and 24-pack cases of 12-ounce cans of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar. Then, on Thursday, the FDA's recall was upgraded to Class II, which the organization describes as a 'situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.' Although the cans, produced by Jacksonville, Florida-based Pepsi Beverages Company, were labeled 'zero sugar,' they were found to contain the full amount of sugar that is in a regular can, which is around 39 grams. The recalled cans have the product code XXXXRS05165 with a 'best by' date of February 16, 2026. The soda was only distributed to retailers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The recall only applies to Dr Pepper Zero Sugar and not any other Dr Pepper products. Customers who have purchased the affected Dr Pepper cans are urged to return the product to where they were purchased in exchange for a full refund or to throw them away. A mislabel like this can lead to issues for anyone who needs to avoid sugar, or for diabetics who need to strictly monitor their sugar intake. If a person with diabetes eats too much sugar, it can lead to hyperglycemia, which is a condition where blood sugar levels become dangerously high, resulting in symptoms such as increased thirst and blurred vision. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if hyperglycemia is left untreated, it can develop into diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal. The upgraded recall comes after Coca-Cola sent a letter to Costco members last week announcing that they were voluntarily recalling Topo Chico Mineral Water due to the possible presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that occurs naturally in water sources, including mineral water. According to the letter sent to customers, the health risks of consuming mineral water with Pseudomonas are 'very low' in healthy individuals and will only cause 'minor health consequences' in people with 'weakened immune systems.' 'The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority,' the letter read. The recall specifically applies to bottles that were sold at select Costco warehouses in Texas and Louisiana from May 20 to May 29, 2025. The water bottles were sold in 18-packs and have the lot number 13A2541 printed on both the case's packaging and the neck of the individual bottles. Customers who have purchased the affected water bottles are urged to return them to their local Costco in exchange for a full refund. Any questions regarding the recall can be directed to Coca-Cola using the phone number 1-800-GET-COKE.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Topo Chico Mineral Water Recalled Over Possible Bacterial Contamination
Coca-Cola has announced a voluntary recall for certain 16.9-ounce glass bottles of Topo Chico Mineral Water sold at Costco and Sam's Club locations in Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas due to possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The recall, detailed in a June 2 customer notice, involves 18-packs of Topo Chico sold at select Costco warehouses in Texas and Louisiana between May 20 and May 29. The affected bottles carry lot code 13A2541, printed on the case and bottleneck. Some bottles sold at certain Sam's Club locations with lot codes 11A2543, 12A2543, or 13A2541 are also included. 'Any consumer that purchased a product with the Lot numbers 11A2543, 12A2543, or 13A2541, may return the product to the place of purchase for exchange or refund, or can call Coca-Cola at 1-800-GET-COKE,' a Coca-Cola spokesperson told FOX Business. 'The quality and safety of our products is our top priority.' Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium naturally found in water sources, including mineral water, poses 'potential minor health consequences' for individuals with compromised immune systems, according to Costco's notice. For healthy individuals, health risks are 'considered to be very low.' The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that those most at risk include people in healthcare settings, particularly those using breathing machines, catheters, or with open wounds from burns or surgeries. The Cleveland Clinic states that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause issues ranging from urinary tract infections to septicemia, with symptoms including chills, earache, diarrhea, red eyes, difficulty breathing, urinary incontinence, and itchy skin. Consumers with affected products are advised to return them to Costco or Sam's Club for a refund. For questions, Coca-Cola's customer service line is available at 1-800-438-2653. The company emphasized that the recall is limited and urged consumers to check lot codes to identify affected bottles.
