Streptococcus suis is a significant zoonotic agent affecting both human and pig health and poses a substantial public health concern. The pathogenicity of S. suis is intricately linked to its ability to form biofilms and express virulence factors, which are regulated by the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system. Herein, we uncover a novel therapeutic avenue by demonstrating that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an FDA-approved anti-cancer agent, effectively mitigates biofilm formation and attenuates the virulence of S. suis. Mechanistically, we observe a significant reduction in capsular polysaccharide and extracellular polysaccharide production upon 5-FU treatment, elucidating a potential mechanism for biofilm weakening. Additionally, 5-FU down-regulates virulence traits, diminishing S. suis's ability to adhere to host cells and evade phagocytosis. Crucially, our study identifies the thymidylate synthase regulatory gene thyA as a key mediator of 5-FU's effects on the LuxS/AI-2 QS system. Virtual molecular docking and gene knockout experiments provide compelling evidence that 5-FU modulates the LuxS/AI-2 QS system by targeting thyA. In vivo experiments further validate the therapeutic potential of 5-FU, showcasing a significant reduction in bacterial load and mitigation of tissue damage in a mouse model. In conclusion, our investigation unveils 5-FU as a potent disruptor of S. suis's biofilm formation and virulence, offering a promising avenue for the control of this devastating pathogen.

An estimated 2.3 million older Australians are being dispensed multiple medicines associated with falls and fractures, while more than 1.2 million are receiving combinations linked to kidney-related side effects, according to new research from Adelaide University.

Brownies and ice cream aren’t usually associated with healthy eating, but researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a way to turn them into nutrient-packed powerhouses.

Evan Guerra, a PhD student at the University of Illinois, is working to digitize smell the way an .MP3 flle digitizes sound or a .JPEG digitizes images. His work has applications in industry, medicine, and beyond.

A Georgia Tech Ph.D. student is investigating whether internal signals in large language models could help identify harmful behavior before it reaches users.

Alzheimer’s disease may not be a single, uniform condition, but a complex disorder shaped by different combinations of cognitive symptoms, brain changes, biology, genetics, and risk factors. Researchers propose using advanced computational modelling to bring these different layers together and build a more complete profile of each patient. The approach could eventually support more personalized diagnosis, better patient stratification, and treatments tailored to the processes driving disease in each individual.