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.
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.
Co-infection of Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases risk of death significantly compared to fungal infection alone. The fungus changes its cell density, diversity, and capsule size in response to the bacterial pathogen.
Researchers analyzed faecal samples from 82 captive and 16 wild marsupials, revealing new microbial species and antimicrobial resistance. The study found that host family, location, and diet contributed to variance between different microbiomes.
Cholera-causing bacteria show substantial genetic diversity and widespread multi-drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Africa. A new study analyzed genomic data from 104 isolates across Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship.
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.
A new systematic review reveals a significant connection between the gut microbiome and brain function in bipolar patients, affecting treatment responses. Patients who responded to treatment had distinct gut microbiome profiles similar to healthy individuals.
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.
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.
Professor Lenski wins Microbiology Society Prize Medal 2025 for his groundbreaking Long-Term Evolution Experiment and work on digital organisms. Professor Salmond receives the Marjory Stephenson Prize 2025 for his pioneering research on quorum sensing, antibiotic synthesis, and bacterial surface receptors.
Researchers at The University of Warwick created a realistic model of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) to better understand the infection. The study found that combining antibiotics with enzymes that break down biofilm slime layers could successfully eradicate the bacteria, offering new hope for treatments.
Researchers found two opportunistic bacteria significantly more abundant after three months of daily use, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. A decrease in Actinobacteria was also observed, crucial contributors to blood pressure regulation.
Researchers found a more diverse range of microbiota in grey squirrel guts, which may improve their health and immunity. This difference could be linked to the destruction caused by grey squirrels' broad diet, including tree bark, a previously unknown trait.
A study by Professor Mark Webber and his team found that the NRCS-A strain of Staphylococcus capitis is commonly carried on the skin and in the gut of uninfected neonatal babies, making transmission between babies within NICUs likely. The bacteria's unique genes allow it to survive in the gut, making cleaning the skin ineffective.
Implementing whole genome sequencing (WGS) can prevent bacterial healthcare-associated infections, saving the NHS £480 million annually. The technology has major implications for health policymakers and healthcare leaders, with potential benefits including reduced antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers discovered that combining honey and vinegar can effectively kill bacteria in biofilms, making it a potential treatment for persistent infections. The study found that using both honey and acetic acid was more effective than using either substance alone.
Researchers found 20 times more potentially pneumonia-causing bacteria on dentures in people with pneumonia than those without. Poorly cleaned dentures may provide a new surface for disease-causing microbes to colonize.
Researchers have found that fermented sugar-based products and fermented vegetable-based products show promise in improving gut and brain health. Preliminary results suggest these foods contain beneficial metabolites that can positively impact mental health.
Researchers at the University of Stirling found that microplastics can transport harmful bacteria from wastewater to beaches in Scotland. The study suggests that these bacteria can survive for up to 7 days on beach sand and show resistance to common antibiotics.
Researchers observed changes in upper respiratory tract bacterial diversity after COVID-19 infection over time. The study suggests that viral infections can change the respiratory microbiome, potentially predictive of outcomes.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
A systematic review of 29 studies found that combining probiotics with antibiotics can prevent or lessen some changes to the gut microbiome composition. Probiotics can also help protect species diversity and restore friendly bacteria populations, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Researchers identified three previously undiagnosed COVID-19 cases in a UK hospital from throat swabs collected between January and March 2020. The study suggests that testing should have been made available to hospital patients with compatible symptoms earlier in the pandemic.
A new species of bacteria, Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis, has been found to cause a fatal disease in palms in Queensland, Australia. The bacterium is thought to be spread by insects and poses a significant threat to Australia's ornamental palm industry.
A new technique uses bacterial biofilms to capture microplastics, which are then processed and dispersed for recycling. This method has the potential to remove microplastics from wastewater treatment plants, helping to stop their release into oceans and protect human health and food chains.
Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.
Research found fidaxomicin is more effective than existing TB medication at preventing growth of M. tuberculosis, including resistant strains. Fidaxomicin's in vitro activity was compared to rifampicin and showed promise as a potential new treatment for TB.
Researchers in Costa Rica have found that some bacteria on amphibian skin can prevent growth of the fungus responsible for mass amphibian die-offs. The study identified a number of bacteria with inhibitory capacity against the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has led to the extinction of 90 species.
The Microbiology Society's report emphasizes the need for increased research into soil health and collaboration with farmers to design sustainable management practices. Soil degradation is a significant issue, with the UK facing a potential 30-40 year decline in soil fertility if current rates of degradation are not reversed.
A microbiology laboratory in Edinburgh reduces its plastic waste by 43kg per year using re-useable equipment and decontaminating plastic tubes. The team develops a new approach to reduce single-use plastics, saving over £400 and promoting sustainable practices in research labs.
Researchers developed a rapid molecular test called N1-STOP-LAMP that can diagnose SARS-CoV-2 with 100% accuracy in just 20 minutes. The test uses a portable machine and is highly efficient, making it suitable for settings with limited testing capabilities.
A study published in the Journal of General Virology found that curcumin can prevent TGEV infection and kill virus particles. This antiviral property could be beneficial in preventing diseases caused by TGEV in piglets.
Researchers have successfully linked UK public health monitoring systems with the UK Biobank, enabling analysis of genetic and epidemiological factors associated with severe COVID-19. The resulting pooled data can provide near-to-real-time insights into SARS-CoV-2 spread, testing, and disease characteristics.
The review examines how long immunity to coronaviruses lasts and the prospect of antibody testing. Professors Paul Kellam and Wendy Barclay discuss what is known about immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, including seasonal strains that circulate in humans every winter.
Research has discovered that a unique type of algae on turtle shells influences the surrounding microbial communities. This finding may contribute to supporting turtle conservation by understanding how diverse microbiomes protect animals against infections.
Researchers found that acne is associated with an imbalance of skin bacteria, including increased levels of virulence-associated genes and reduced beneficial bacteria. Targeted treatments, such as probiotic supplementation or phage therapy, may be more effective than antibiotics in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance.
The frog foam has been shown to release model dyes and prevent in vitro growth of Staphylococcus aureus for extended periods, indicating its potential as a non-toxic antibiotic delivery system.
Scientists reveal how Arctic microbes speed up glacier melting through cryoconite formation, altering ice surface albedo and creating a self-sustaining cycle. This microbial process is driving the expansion of biologically productive regions on glaciers, contributing to sea level rise.
Scientists discovered a unique set of enzymes in Staphylococcus hominis that break down sweat molecules into thioalcohols, a key component of body odor. The study identified genes responsible for producing these compounds and confirmed their role in malodour production.
Date syrup's antibacterial compounds inhibit growth of disease-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The natural syrup outperforms manuka honey in lab tests, offering potential health benefits through its antibacterial activities.
A study published this week found that over 6.3 million people may be exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria while engaging in water sports, with surfers and swimmers at highest risk. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good water quality standards to minimize exposure to these harmful microbes.
A new study has found that the human hand microbiome varies depending on location and lifestyle. The research compared microbes from women in the US and Tanzania, revealing different dominant bacterial species associated with environment, soil, and indoor lifestyles.
Research found that a particular strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa survived in contact lens cleaning solution for over four hours, posing a risk to eye health. The study suggests that standard disinfectant solutions may not be robust enough to kill all bacteria associated with microbial keratitis.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
A UK awareness campaign has shown some success in delaying the onset of drug-resistant gonorrhea by prompting healthcare professionals and policy-makers to change treatment practices. However, resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone is still a concern, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent widespread emergence.
A study found a significant reduction in HPV types 16 and 18 infections among young women in England after the introduction of the HPV vaccination program. The prevalence dropped from 1 in 5 to 1 in 15 among those aged 16-18, with the lowest rates among vaccinated individuals.
Researchers sequenced 147 Mycobacterium bovis genomes to track bovine TB outbreaks, revealing local transmission mechanisms drive the spread of the disease. The study provides unprecedented insight into how the disease spreads and will inform control methods.
Scientists have discovered a molecular signalling pathway that helps oral epithelial cells resist Candida infection. The PI3 Kinase pathway is activated within minutes of fungal encounter, protecting against future damage. Boosting this pathway may lead to novel therapies against Candida infections.
Researchers discover how Helicobacter pylori suppresses human beta defensin 1 production, allowing bacteria to colonize and cause tissue damage. The study found that patients infected with H. pylori had ten times less hβD1 than uninfected patients.
A by-product of biofuel manufacture can power microbial fuel cells to generate electricity cheaply and efficiently. Researchers have successfully used Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) as a feedstock for the bacteria, producing a reliable source of renewable energy.