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Floating colonies: engineering three-dimensional microbial architectures in liquid cultures

A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

First-of-its-kind computer model of bacterial biofilms could support antibiotic resistance research

A new 3D computer model developed by the University of Surrey has shown how Pseudomonas aeruginosa grows and spreads its protective layer under constant fluid flow. The model's accuracy was validated through laboratory experiments, demonstrating potential for faster and smarter ways to understand bacterial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJul 14, 2026

A subtle difference offers insight into bacteria survival strategies

Researchers discovered Bacillus subtilis employs a slower growth strategy for better survival under antibiotic stress, decoupling ribosome production from amino acid supply. This trade-off makes B. subtilis more tolerant of stress and challenges the assumption that bacteria are wired to grow as fast as possible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Stiff gels slow germs: New study maps hydrogel properties that control bacterial growth

Researchers have identified optimal conditions for bacterial growth on hydrogels, finding that firmer, lower water content materials consistently slow bacterial expansion. The study's findings also reveal a selective mechanism at work, where negatively charged gels repel bacteria harbouring negatively charged groups.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Gut microbes: How many molecules influence our body?

Researchers at ETH Zurich and Stanford University quantified the number of molecules produced by gut bacteria that reach the human body daily. This knowledge helps understand how the gut microbiome influences health and behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Cell colonies under pressure – how growth can prevent motion

Research at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization explores how growth impacts cell migration. The study reveals a critical threshold of motility above which colony growth inhibits cellular movement, with implications for biology, tissue engineering, and medical research.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalCommunications Physics·DateApr 28, 2025

Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria

A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.

SourceStellenbosch University·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Research expands options for more sustainable soybean production

Scientists have discovered a new bacterial strain, Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9, that can enhance the growth of soybeans and corn when combined with rhizobia. This partnership reduces fertilizer use, saving Brazilian growers an estimated USD 15 billion annually.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateApr 17, 2025

Development of a novel modified selective medium cefixime–tellurite-phosphate-xylose-rhamnose MacConkey agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples

A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tulane researchers use AI to improve diagnosis of drug-resistant infections

A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.

SourceTulane University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2025

C. diff uses toxic compound to fuel growth advantage

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered how C. diff converts a poisonous compound into a usable nutrient, increasing its competitive advantage in the infected gut. The findings point to novel therapeutic strategies, including targeting the TudS enzyme to preserve healthy gut microbiota.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers demonstrate new technique for boosting plant growth with bacteria

Researchers demonstrate a new technique for encapsulating beneficial bacteria that can be stored and applied to plants to improve growth and protect against pests. The technique enables customized probiotics for plants, allowing farmers to use these bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025

Antimicrobial resistance in soil bacteria without the use of antibiotics

A study found that soil bacterial communities show increased antimicrobial resistance due to the presence of a predatory bacterium, Myxococcus xanthus. The researchers suggest that exposure to growth-inhibitory molecules released by M. xanthus leads to the enrichment of resistant isolates.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2025

Mimicking shark skin to create clean cutting boards

Researchers created laser-textured metal that stops bacteria from attaching, reducing biofilm buildup and making surface cleaning easier. The technique alters water-repellent properties of the metal, a key factor impacting bacterial growth.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Laser Applications·DateFeb 25, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bacteria evolved to help neighboring cells after death, new research reveals

A study by Durham University has shown that E-coli bacteria produce an enzyme breaking down nutrients from dead cells, offering a banquet for neighboring cells. This process demonstrates that death is not the end of programmed biological processes, which can evolve to function after death.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Novel bacteria parasitizing archaea

Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully cultivated an ultrasmall bacterial strain that parasitizes methanogenic archaea, inhibiting their growth. This discovery represents the first successful cultivation of such bacteria and proposes a new phylum Minisyncoccota, advancing our understanding of microbial ecology.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Why antibiotics can fail even against non-resistant bacteria

Researchers from the University of Basel challenged the idea that persisters are responsible for antibiotic ineffectiveness. They found that nutrient starvation increases Salmonella resilience, making antibiotics less effective. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies against difficult-to-treat infections.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Bacteria found to eat forever chemicals — and even some of their toxic byproducts

A University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, as well as some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. The bacteria, Labrys portucalensis F11, metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) after a 100-day exposure period.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New computer models open door to far more targeted antibiotics

Researchers at UVA have developed computer models to target specific bacteria in specific parts of the body, reducing the chance of antibiotic resistance. This approach could lead to more effective treatments and reduce the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJan 14, 2025

Scientists engineer substrates hostile to bacteria but friendly to cells

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University created nanostructured alumina surfaces with unprecedented antibacterial properties without hindering cell cultures. The technology promises a game-changer in regenerative medicine by enabling antibiotic-free cell culture and reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalLangmuir·DateJan 11, 2025

Small milk fat globules promote good bacteria, study reveals

A new study by Professor Nurit Argov-Argaman at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that small milk fat globules promote beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, while larger ones trigger biofilm formation. The research highlights milk's natural protective mechanisms and potential to support gut health.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Prosthetic material could help reduce infections from intravenous catheters

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2024

Illinois researchers develop model to evaluate food safety control strategies for produce industry

A new study from the University of Illinois aims to determine the most effective risk management strategies for the produce supply chain. The researchers found that improved process controls, such as washing, provided a greater reduction in overall risk than additional product testing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

Enterococcus helps E. coli ‘armor up’ in dog, poultry co-infections

A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study challenges assumptions about how tuberculosis bacteria grow

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that TB bacteria maintain a consistent growth rate throughout their life cycle, defying expectations. The study also reveals new growth behaviors of TB bacteria, including the ability to grow from either end after division.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 15, 2024

New study shows how salmonella tricks gut defenses to cause infection

A new UC Davis Health study has uncovered the mechanisms by which Salmonella bacteria evade the body's natural defenses in the gut. The research found that Salmonella alters the gut's nutrient environment to fuel its replication in the large intestine, creating an imbalance that helps the pathogen survive. This new understanding could ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2024

The high cost of complexity

A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Bacteria breakthrough could accelerate mosquito control schemes

A new study by the University of Exeter and Wageningen found that Asaia bacteria accelerate the development of mosquito larvae, potentially boosting mass-rearing schemes. This could lead to more effective global health programmes against diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateNov 4, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Biomass-derived antimicrobials: A leap towards sustainable solutions

Researchers have explored biomass-derived antibacterial agents as a sustainable alternative to conventional compounds. The study reveals the potential of these agents in various sectors, including cosmetics and healthcare, and discusses challenges and future perspectives for their application.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2024

Wastewater bacteria can breakdown plastic for food

Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

How a bacterium becomes a permanent resident in a fungus

A team of researchers led by Julia Vorholt at ETH Zurich initiated laboratory partnerships between bacteria and fungi to study the beginnings of an endosymbiotic relationship. They found that when certain bacteria are passed on to the next generation of fungi through spores, the fungus adapts and becomes more inhabited.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2024

Campylobacter jejuni-specific antibody gives hope to vaccine development

Researchers have developed an antibody that can identify Campylobacter jejuni and inhibit its growth, reducing pathogenicity. The antibody targets a multiprotein complex essential for the bacteria's energy production, making it a potential target for therapy and vaccination.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

The Lancet: More than 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections estimated between now and 2050, suggests first global analysis

A new study estimates that more than 1 million people died each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections between 1990 and 2021. The study predicts that this number could increase to nearly 2 million by 2050, with a significant age-related shift in the impact of AMR on children under five years old.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

UTA harvests first climate-smart soybean crop

Researchers harvested climate-smart soybeans in a $5 million USDA project aiming to reduce GHG emissions while increasing crop production. The crop was grown using five climate-smart practices, including earlier planting and soil conservation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 12, 2024

Open Wide: Human Mouth Bacteria Reproduce through Rare Form of Cell Division

Researchers discovered Corynebacterium matruchotii's unique cell division mechanism, enabling dense networks within dental plaque biofilms. This process allows the bacteria to explore their environment and form beneficial interactions.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Promising antibiotic candidates discovered in microbes deep in the Arctic Sea

Researchers have identified two compounds with strong antivirulence activity from actinobacteria in the Arctic Sea, targeting EPEC bacteria that cause severe diarrhea. The compounds inhibit virulence factor formation and binding to host cells, reducing disease severity and potential for resistance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Can fungi turn food waste into the next culinary sensation?

A researcher at UC Berkeley has discovered that fungi can transform indigestible plant material into digestible, nutritious food in about 36 hours. The Neurospora fungus is being used to create tasty morsels from food waste, including grain covered with orange Neurospora and moldy bread.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Align or die

Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How researchers turn bacteria into cellulose-producing mini-factories

Researchers developed an approach to boost cellulose production in bacteria by inducing mutations through UV-C light. This method produced bacterial variants that generate up to 70% more cellulose than the original form, paving the way for industrial-scale production of sustainable materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2024

How staph slips around

A study by Michigan State University reveals that certain proteins and peptides in the nasal and oral environments create lubricants for bacterial colonies to move towards vulnerable sites. The discovery provides new insights into how staphylococcus bacteria spread, shedding light on conditions that accelerate their movement.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

The geometry of life: Physicists determine what controls biofilm growth

Researchers used interferometry to study biofilm growth and found that the contact angle with the substrate plays a key role in determining fitness. The team discovered that the shape of the biofilm's edge, which resembles a spherical cap, is influenced by this geometry.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 9, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Lymphoma patients at high risk of infections after diagnosis

Patients with mantle cell lymphoma are more vulnerable to other diseases and infections due to intensive chemotherapy and a weakened immune system. A large-scale national study found that MCL patients had twice as many infections as reference subjects, with common causes including influenza and urinary tract infections.

SourceUppsala University·JournalHemaSphere·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

MIT engineers find a way to protect microbes from extreme conditions

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to make microbes hardy enough to withstand industrial processing, high temperatures, radiation, and long-term storage. The method involves mixing bacteria with food and drug additives, resulting in stable formulations that can be used in various applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 5, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

An anti-inflammatory curbs spread of fungi causing serious blood infections

Researchers at UC Davis Health discovered that mesalamine can replace good bacteria's work in fighting Candida albicans in the gut. The study found that mesalamine maintains a low oxygen environment that prevents fungal growth, reducing the risk of invasive candidiasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Salty soil sensitizes plants to an unconventional mode of bacterial toxicity

A study reveals that salty soil conditions can facilitate disease in plants caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas brassicacearum R401. The researchers identified a phytotoxic metabolite, brassicapeptin, which is toxic to plants under salt stress and forms pores in plant membranes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024