Abstract: The present invention provides streamlined methods for identifying biologically active bacterial products. Products identified by these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.

Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for accessing, in a generally unbaised manner, a diverse genetic pool for genes involved in biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides compounds which can be identified by cloning biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating bacterial quorum sensing using antagonist or agonist compounds. Further, the present invention provides methods of treating or preventing microbial damages and diseases, in particular for diseases where there is an advantage in inhibiting quorum sensing regulated phenotypes of pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and composition for accessing, in a generally unbaised manner, a diverse genetic pool for genes involved in biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides compounds which can be identified by cloning biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for isolating polynucleotide molecules from uncultured microbial cells in an environmental sample, the method comprising: obtaining uncultured microbial cells from the sample, dispersing the cells from each other and from other components in the sample, purifying the dispersed cells via discontinuous gradient centrifugation wherein the cells are collected in an interface of the gradient, embedding the cells in agarose gel, to produce agarose gel blocks containing the cells, and lysing the cells within the agarose gel blocks, thereby releasing high molecular weight polynucleotide molecules from the cells.

Abstract: A enterotoxin-deficient mutant of a member strain of the Bacillus cereus group does not produce HBL enterotoxin, which has been regarded as a human pathogen found in member strains. An enterotoxin-deficient mutant is suitable for use as a biocontrol agent. Methods for making the mutant and for using the mutant are described.

Abstract: A enterotoxin-deficient mutant of a member strain of the Bacillus cereus group does not produce HBL enterotoxin, which has been regarded as a human pathogen found in member strains. An enterotoxin-deficient mutant is suitable for use as a biocontrol agent. Methods for making the mutant and for using the mutant are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and composition for accessing, in a generally unbaised manner, a diverse genetic pool for genes involved in biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides compounds which can be identified by cloning biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for accessing, in a generally unbaised manner, a diverse genetic pool for genes involved in biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides compounds which can be identified by cloning biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: A biocontrol bacteria, Bacillus cereus ATCC 53522, has been found to naturally synthesize two antibiotics, here designated zwittermicin A and antibiotic B. Zwittermicin A is a 396 dalton linear aminopolyol, a class of metabolite previously unknown in B. cereus. Antibiotic B is an aminoglycoside. Both antibiotics exhibit inhibitory activity on many fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Abstract: A novel strain of Bacillus cereus, designated W35 is useful as a biocontrol agent to combat fungal damping off disease in field crop plants. W35 produces the antibiotic zwittermicin A. Strain W35 is distinguished from other zwittermicin-producing Bacillus cereus strains by resistance to phage P7, antibiotic resistance, and colony morphology.

Abstract: A novel strain of Bacillus cereus, designated Z8 is useful as a biocontrol agent to combat fungal damping off disease in field crop plants. Z8 produces the antibiotic zwittermicin A. Strain Z8 is distinguished from other zwittermicin-producing Bacillus cereus strains by resistance to phage P7, antibiotic resistance, and colony morphology.

Abstract: A novel strain of Bacillus cereus, designated SOY130 ATCC 202076 is useful as a biocontrol agent to combat fungal damping off disease in field crop plants. SOY130 produces the antibiotic zwittermicin A. Strain SOY130 is distinguished from other zwittermicin-producing Bacillus cereus strains by resistance to streptomycin and neomycin.

Abstract: A biocontrol bacteria, Bacillus cereus ATCC 53522, has been found to naturally synthesize two antibiotics, here designated zwittermicin A and antibiotic B. Zwittermicin A is a 396 dalton linear aminopolyol, a class of metabolite previously unknown in B. cereus. Antibiotic B is an aminoglycoside. Both antibiotics exhibit inhibitory activity on many fungal and bacterial pathogens.