Researchers explored how AI and metabolic modeling can inform effective biocontrol strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in built environments. Microbial biocontrol using 'good' microbes has shown promise, but inconsistent outcomes are due to various factors, including genetic differences and environmental stressors.
Scientists from Stellenbosch University have isolated a new species of soil bacterium, Dedyshia acidiphilia, from the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The discovery provides significant advances in understanding rare bacterial species contributing to soil health and nutrient cycles.
Understanding plant microbiome interactions could transform crop production and improve sustainability. Researchers are exploring how plants shape their microbial partners to acquire nutrients, defend against disease, and respond to environmental stresses.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for finding effective tuberculosis drugs by leveraging the PAC-MAN technique and artificial intelligence. The approach uses machine learning models to predict which chemical compounds can penetrate the outer membrane of the bacteria, paving the way for more efficient drug discovery.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) 2026 Member Survey reveals a highly engaged membership community with strong satisfaction rates. Members highlight the need for clearer pathways for involvement, mentorship, and professional development to strengthen long-term engagement and retention.
Chikungunya virus persists in macrophages, causing long-term joint inflammation and relapsing arthralgia. Researchers use advanced techniques to map gene activity and profile individual cells, finding a 'sanctuary' where the virus replicates.
Two UT microbiology researchers, Steven Wilhelm and Brittany N. Zepernick, received the 2026 Daylight Award for their research on phytoplankton thriving under ice. Their work provides novel mechanistic insights into how diatoms respond to ice loss and has major implications for planetary health and biodiversity.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that a fungus strain called Aspergillus calidoustus can survive the harsh conditions of space travel and Martian environments. The fungus was found to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressure, making it a strong candidate for surviving the trip to Mars.
The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference 2026 will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health. The conference will explore ways to slow the spread of superbugs through scientific research, policy, and international collaboration.
A study of viral abundance in the Sargasso Sea reveals that viruses with cyclical changes in abundance are most active at night, infecting heterotrophic host microbes. This finding opens new questions about the ecological services provided by oceans and highlights the importance of including viruses in ocean models.
Researchers have identified phage W5 as a safe and effective natural virus capable of eliminating harmful Salmonella on various foods and packaging materials. The study establishes a solid foundation for developing novel phage-based disinfectants or preservatives to combat antibiotic resistance and enhance food safety.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
A new study demonstrates the use of field-portable assays to study caves in near real-time, revealing complex microbial ecosystems and potential health threats. The research found that geography, material, and depth significantly impact microbial populations, with applications for public health and military decision-making.
A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.
App Applied Microbiology International will host a free webinar on 'Gender Equality and Water' to mark World Water Day 2026. The event aims to centred women and girls in water solutions, recognizing their voices, leadership and agency as critical enablers of gender equality.
The report highlights the need for an agreed definition of healthy soil, scalable biological indicators, and collaborative transitions to sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and aligning diverse priorities among all soil stakeholders.
The inaugural article in Microbiology Outlooks connects within-host genomics and evolutionary theory, reframing virulence as a context-dependent strategy. The research has implications for vaccine design, antimicrobial stewardship, and epidemic control strategies.
Paul Plummer, UT College of Veterinary Medicine dean, joins the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology. He was recognized for his scientific achievements and contributions to microbiology and antimicrobial resistance research.
Researchers discovered that infant nasal organoids divide faster and have different cell types than adult ones, making them more susceptible to RSV infection. The findings suggest that infants' bodies respond with a less coordinated defense against the virus, leading to severe airway blockages and mucus production.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) society has issued a warning about the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens. AMI is urging policymakers to strengthen the revised Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including all types of pathogenic organisms.
Ten Scripps Research scientists, spanning chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and more, have been recognized on Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers list. The list highlights researchers whose publications rank in the top 1% by citations for their field and publication year.
Researchers developed a protein language model that can generate functional antibodies against specific viral antigens. This approach enables rapid generation of antibodies against emerging health threats without requiring blood samples or antigen proteins.
Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.
Researchers identified two antimicrobial peptides that can kill various types of Salmonella and reduce its load in chickens. The study's findings suggest these peptides could improve food safety and public health by mitigating antibiotic resistance.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists at Scripps Research has been awarded $6.9 million to identify more effective vaccines for treating HIV. By combining cutting-edge techniques and leveraging novel mouse models, the researchers aim to create a roadmap for building vaccines that provide lasting protection against HIV.
Scientists have identified an ancient enzyme called methylthio-alkane reductase (MAR) that breaks down organic sulfur compounds to create ethylene. The discovery opens the door for understanding how these enzymes work and potentially harnessing them for sustainable biofuel production.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers found 270 genera of fungi in Beijing subway stations, with dominant species varying by season and station type. The study highlights the importance of considering fungi in public health initiatives and air quality management.
A global alliance of microbiology organizations has unveiled a joint strategy to integrate microbial science into climate policy, innovation and public discourse. The strategy aims to recognize microbes as vital allies in the fight against climate change and chart a clear course for microbiology organizations to lead by example.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
Dr. Carl Nathan's groundbreaking research has advanced our understanding of innate immunity, tuberculosis, and cancer. His discovery of macrophage-activating factor (MAF) and its role in driving immune responses has led to the development of new treatments for previously intractable diseases.
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
Commercial broccoli seeds can carry a fungal pathogen with cross-resistance to multiple fungicides, threatening disease management. The study highlights the need for seed health testing programs to detect and mitigate fungicide resistance.
A new report from the Microbiology Society argues that vaccine deployment can slow AMR emergence. The UK Government is called upon to remove barriers and incentivize public-private collaboration for vaccine development.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used AI to identify previously unknown compounds in Archaea that could fuel the development of next-generation antibiotics. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that 93% of the identified archaeasins demonstrated antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria.
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.
Scientists developed a diagnostic tool using functional gene ratios to assess crude oil contamination status and apparent age in soils. The novel molecular diagnostic tool offers rapid field-deployable assessment of site condition and pollution age, providing evidence-based approach for prioritizing clean-up efforts.
Researchers found significant differences in gut microbiota composition between pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes. A diagnostic model based on genus-level markers showed high precision for early detection of the condition, offering new opportunities for prevention and personalized management.
Scientists discovered that tiny anoxic pockets on sand grains can carry out denitrification, a process removing human-derived nitrogen from coastal sands. These microenvironments, created by microbes consuming oxygen, account for up to one-third of total nitrogen loss in silicate shelf sands.
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
Researchers developed an in vitro assay to evaluate the anti-pathogen efficacy of mixed algal microbiomes from live-feed microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Isochrysis galbana. The study found that mixtures of bacteria could inhibit Vibrio anguillarum, a fish pathogen, and isolated pure cultures of bacteria.
Researchers from University of Guam Marine Lab propose a novel framework to innovate in restoration ecology, integrating coral microbiology, fusion, fragmentation, and environmental resilience. They found that nursery-cultured corals have different morphology, physiology, and microbiomes than wild counterparts.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can shut down a key set of genes to avoid detection by the immune system. This finding suggests that asymptomatic adults may harbor undetectable parasites, making it more challenging to eliminate malaria.
A new study found that oil cleanup agents such as surface washing agents and chemical herders do not impede naturally occurring oil biodegradation. The researchers observed an initial delay but noted that the diverse microbial community actively degraded the treating agents simultaneously with the crude oil.
Dr. Sabine Ehrt takes the helm of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, aiming to build on the department's reputation in tuberculosis research and expand into other areas. She seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and boost junior faculty mentorship.
The Microbiology Society has released new guides to communicating complex microbiology topics. The guides aim to support readers in writing about microbiology and promote safe communication of divisive topics.
A new class of antibiotic has been shown to be effective in treating MRSA infections, with a daily dose of epidermicin NI01 demonstrating equal efficacy to the current standard of care. The findings justify further pre-clinical development and could lead to new gel-type therapies for skin infections.
The BfR conference discusses the role of microorganisms in food production, focusing on both beneficial and pathogenic properties. The event explores topics such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and the importance of food microbiology in ensuring public health.
The report evaluates microbial innovations that can help humanity adapt to and mitigate climate change. The framework emphasizes the importance of economic returns, safety, and societal benefits for successful adoption of microbial products.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in wastewater poses a significant threat to human health due to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens. The Microbiology Society's new policy briefing outlines key interventions to tackle AMR in wastewater, including monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and treatment technologies.
A UMass Amherst Ph.D. student has been awarded a €20,000 grant to investigate a new therapeutic target for Lyme disease by targeting the GuaB enzyme necessary for Borrelia burgdorferi replication in mammals.
A recent study has discovered that microplastics can facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, even in the absence of antibiotics. The researchers used different types and sizes of plastic to expose E. coli bacteria to various antibiotics and found significant increases in multidrug resistance after exposure.
Researchers analyzed phage-bacteria communities in children's stool samples to understand their role in type 1 diabetes development. They found dynamic changes in phage and bacterial populations, suggesting an 'arms race' between the two, but no clear link to disease risk.
Researchers discovered that tiny algae on glacier ice can grow rapidly despite limited nutrients, darkening the surface and accelerating melting. This finding has significant implications for predicting climate change, as it highlights a potential positive feedback loop between warming and ice melt.