Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
A recent study found that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study's findings suggest that these microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens, posing a growing risk to environmental and public health.
A new study identifies how sulfamethoxazole, a common antibiotic, affects denitrification in estuarine sediments. The results show that the antibiotic disrupts the balance of nitrogen cycling processes, leading to increased nitrous oxide emissions and greenhouse gas warming.
Researchers have catalogued a new collection of bacteria-eating viruses to combat the growing threat of hospital superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The open-source phage library offers scientists a valuable resource to develop new treatments and improve understanding of phages and bacteria interactions.
The BfR is part of a nationwide interdisciplinary surveillance system, OHIS, to monitor antibiotic resistance. The goal is to identify trends and develop targeted measures.
Researchers warn that Brazil's domestic policies must align with international commitments on forest conservation and climate justice. The country must take concrete actions, such as reversing anti-environmental policies and protecting indigenous peoples' rights.
Scientists have developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance by studying the competition among plasmids within bacterial cells. By isolating individual cells and measuring intracellular plasmid competition, researchers discovered basic properties of plasmid and bacteria fitness and evolution.
A novel nanogel technology has been developed to kill drug-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, with high selectivity and efficiency. The technology uses a heteromultivalent nanogel that binds to specific proteins on the bacterial surface, disrupting the membrane and leading to rapid bacterial death.
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.
New research reveals that large-scale livestock farming accelerates the spread of antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Dried poultry manure, once applied to vegetable plots for food crops, drives a dramatic surge in dangerous antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages, which target the Klebsiella pneumoniae species. The evolved phages demonstrated improved effectiveness in killing multiple bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
A new analytical tool can improve a hospital's ability to limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections by inferring asymptomatic carriers. The method, developed by Columbia University researchers, combines multiple data sources to predict the spread of an infection in the hospital setting.
The 2025 European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE) brings together over 3,000 participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control. The conference highlights urgent priorities such as building trust in science, demonstrating science-based ...
Europe is facing a major public health crisis due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates, with estimated deaths of over 35,000 annually. The EU must address this issue through strong action on antibiotic use, innovation in novel treatments and infection prevention and control practices.
The AMR portal connects bacterial genomes, resistance phenotypes, and functional annotations, providing a central hub for global AMR research. It brings together experimental and computational data types, allowing researchers to investigate how genetic variants translate into antimicrobial resistance.
A study published in Nature Communications found that while some municipal wastewater samples select for antibiotic-resistant E. coli, most instead suppress their growth, suggesting wastewater treatment plants may not be breeding grounds for resistance as commonly thought.
A study found high rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw milk, with 95% of isolated strains resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in raw milk highlights the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and improved hygiene practices.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have created phages with synthetic genetic material, allowing them to add and subtract genes. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer phages to target specific bacteria, offering new hope for combating antibacterial resistance.
Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.
Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.
A new study predicts that aging populations in Europe will lead to a substantial increase in drug-resistant bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from over 12 million routine blood tests and found that rates are expected to rise more in men than women and older age groups, particularly those over 65.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
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.
The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.
A recent study found extensive antibiotic resistance in Haemophilus influenzae, a type of bacteria causing up to 200 million childhood infections. Despite this, the team discovered surprisingly little genetic variation, suggesting a universal vaccine targeting shared features could be developed.
Researchers found that a structurally modified version of the drug florfenicol exploits drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium abscessus to amplify its effect, perpetually. This approach presents a potentially safer and more effective way to treat certain antibiotic-resistant infections, minimizing host mitochondrial toxicity and ...
Researchers have discovered a promising new antibiotic, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, which is over 100 times more active than the current antibiotic methylenomycin A. This finding provides hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects millions of people worldwide.
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.
New research reveals that mixtures of commonly used medications in the environment can increase the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Laboratory tests showed that combining these medications with ciprofloxacin led to an increased selection for genes that confer resistance, highlighting a potential threat to human health.
A new study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment found that the rhizosphere, surrounding plant roots, is a hotspot for manure-derived antibiotic resistance genes. Crop root chemistry plays a crucial role in how these genes are transferred to plants, with leafy vegetables accumulating more ARGs than fruit-bearing crops.
Researchers have developed a new technique called Dual transposon sequencing to rapidly identify genetic interactions in bacteria. This method reveals vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future antibiotics.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
Researchers at NUS have successfully applied cryo-EM to study two protein machines that transport lipids in bacterial cells, maintaining the outer membrane barrier. The OmpC-MlaA-MlaC complex deforms local membranes and loosens misplaced lipids, while the TolQ-R2A complex acts as a molecular motor to transmit force for lipid balance.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new treatment approach using a two-drug combination that is 10,000 times more effective than single-drug antibiotics in killing bacterial cells in lab tests. This promising method could help shorten treatment time and reduce toxicity in patients with chronic wound infections.
Researchers from UCL and Imperial College London have discovered how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins target the outer layer of Gram-negative bacteria. By triggering the production and shedding of this armor, polymyxins create gaps in the cell's defenses, allowing the antibiotic to enter and kill the bacteria.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that most newborn infections in Southeast Asia are caused by bacteria unlikely to respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Locally relevant data is crucial for guiding routine medical decisions, and new a...
Researchers have identified a minority of plasmids as the primary cause of multidrug resistance in bacteria, evolving to gain resistance through selective pressure from antibiotics. The study developed a model for plasmid evolution, highlighting pathways and predicting future outbreaks.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a groundbreaking new class of antibiotics called Novltex, which targets lipid II in bacterial cell walls. This innovative approach offers potent and durable protection against multidrug-resistant bacteria, addressing one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine.
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
The IMPACT-CETR aims to develop preventive strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The project seeks to harness immunity in these bacteria to prevent infections and reduce the emergence of resistance.
Researchers have developed a method to access a vast reservoir of untapped lifesaving compounds in soil, revealing hundreds of new bacterial genomes and two potential antibiotics. This breakthrough technology, published in Nature Biotechnology, offers a scalable way to scour unculturable bacteria for new drug leads.
Scientists developed a method to isolate genes from tiny amounts of microbial DNA, revealing previously unknown antibiotic resistance genes. The researchers discovered new types of efflux pumps and an entirely new family of streptothricin resistance proteins in bacterial DNA isolated from human stool and aquarium samples.
Researchers are collecting faeces from exotic animals at Dudley Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park to search for phages that can fight bacterial infections. The goal is to create a bio-bank of these phages to develop alternative treatments for life-threatening infections.
A study has identified KPC-type carbapenemase-producing bacteria in Chilean wastewater, raising concerns about environmental circulation of microorganisms with high antibiotic resistance levels. The finding emphasizes the need for surveillance within the framework of
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
A new study offers a powerful AI-assisted method for uncovering exactly how TB drugs kill the bacteria, which could lead to smarter treatment combinations. The approach uncovers molecular details of drug interactions and can predict their impact from images alone.
A multicenter study in China found that patients with liver cirrhosis were prone to community-acquired pneumonia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and MDR organisms being major concerns. The study highlights the need for region-specific strategies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Researchers from Australia and China have found nine high-priority pathogens in aircraft lavatory wastewater, including some resistant to multiple drugs. The study suggests that monitoring aircraft wastewater could provide an early warning system for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant superbugs.
A new study found that probiotics significantly reduced the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria in the infant gut, while also promoting a more typical gut microbiome. This breakthrough has major implications for the global AMR crisis, particularly for preterm infants.
Researchers have discovered that combining antimicrobial peptides from bees and frogs can prevent bacteria from mutating quickly, making them a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. This finding could lead to safer disease control in livestock and agricultural settings.
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 study by the University of Helsinki found that nearly 80% of Ukrainian refugees with war injuries carried multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, non-hospitalized refugees showed no significant increase in MDR bacteria carriage rates. The Finnish healthcare system is taking precautions to tackle this challenge.
A nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
A new study found antimicrobial resistant bacteria spreading rapidly among children with severe malnutrition in Niger. The bacteria can cause life-threatening infections like pneumonia and sepsis, which are difficult to treat with antibiotics.
Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.
Researchers have mapped the microbiome of agri-food systems, revealing how diverse and balanced microbes keep our food safe, nutritious, and sustainable. The map highlights areas where targeted interventions such as probiotics and biofertilizers can improve food quality and reduce antibiotic use.
A new platform identifies drug resistance genes in the environment, allowing for proactive optimization of antibiotics. By analyzing natural structural variants and resistance mechanisms, researchers can predict future threats and develop more resilient treatments.