Probiotic and postbiotic treatments revive heat-stressed corals
Researchers have established that both live probiotic and inactivated postbiotic treatments improve coral health—while the animals are under thermal stress during a natural marine heatwave.
- Previous
- Next
Earth’s “little Marses”: how extremophiles are shaping astrobiology
There are places on our planet where the environmental conditions closely resemble those on Mars. These terrestrial analogues have become natural laboratories where scientists study the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Read story
Can monolaurin help fight superbugs?
Among the many naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds, glycerol monolaurate (GML), more commonly known as monolaurin, has attracted renewed interest because of its broad antimicrobial activity and potential role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
A century of colicin: how a problem became the cure
Since the dawn of time, bacteria have evolved sophisticated ways to wage war against one another. Among the most fascinating of these natural weapons are colicins — protein toxins produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to eliminate competing bacteria. This article examines how these remarkable molecules were ...
Under the Microscope: Microbes in fashion
In the dawn of a new era, the fashion industry is turning its sights to harnessing the power of microbes to produce cruelty-free fur and leather alternatives, to create pigments that will replace toxic dyes and even being used to more sustainably recycle textile waste.
Under the Lens video series
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 4
The microscopic organisms living around plant roots may hold the key to reducing agriculture’s reliance on chemical fertilisers and other non-renewable inputs, according to plant microbiome researcher Dr Davide Bulgarelli.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 3
Is raw milk safe to drink? Prof Emmanuel Adukwu is joined by Prof Nicola Holden and Dr Gil Domingue for a conversation on the societal, scientific, and health implications of this pertinent question.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 2
In our second episode, Dr Callum Cooper joins Professor Emmanuel Adukwu to talk about all things bacteriophage, from alternatives to antibiotics, social impact, and regulation.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 1
In our first episode, Professor Raquel Peixoto joins Professor Jack Gilbert for a deep dive into coral reefs, microbes, and the future of our planet.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 4
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 3
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 2
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 1
Get unlimited access to The Microbiologist
The Microbiologist provides detailed information on the latest research, topics, reviews, events and news on a wide variety of microbiological topics.
Members of Applied Microbiology International get unlimited access as a benefit. Find out more about AMI Membership
When do human-driven changes to wildlife microbiomes become a One Health concern?
Animals live in close partnership with communities of microbes that support digestion, immune development, and defence against pathogens, but human activities are changing those partnerships, says Katherine M. Lagerstrom.
Whose culture is it? Rethinking the study of traditional fermented food microbiomes
When microbiologists study traditional fermented foods, are we simply documenting natural biodiversity, or are we also accessing a form of cultural heritage, asks Tara Spencer-Drakes, PhD.
Federal research rule changes could reshape applied microbiology in America
On June 5, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to federal grant administration that would fundamentally alter how applied microbiology research and development is funded and conducted in America.
Trusting in science: Vito Latorre reports back on Parliamentary Links Day
University of East Anglia PhD student Vito Latorre shares his experiences of representing Applied Microbiology International at the Parliamentary Links Day in Westminster earlier this summer.
A day in the life: Discovering the hidden microbes of Britain’s historic waters
PhD student Wewerly Fernandes outlines her investigations into the microorganisms living in Britain’s historic wells and natural springs - once believed to hold healing properties and linked to legends of Merlin and renowned figures like Robert Burns.
Member Q&A: Thomas Thompson on the central role AMI has played in his research journey
Pharmacist and microbiologist Dr Thomas Thompson reveals how AMI membership has played a central role in reaching the point where he is about to start building his own research programme in the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast.
Bacteria in classroom dust associated with reduced lung function in children
Common bacteria found in classroom dust are associated with reduced lung function in children according to new research, Children in classrooms with higher levels of Streptomyces had a 0.08 litres lower forced vital capacity (FVC).
Bacteria can make testosterone. What could that mean for prostate cancer?
Scientists have identified an unexpected participant in androgen chemistry: a bacterium from the human urinary tract that can convert the steroid precursor DHEA into testosterone under laboratory conditions. It reveals a previously unknown microbial route to a hormone that is central to prostate biology.
Researchers find C. difficile colonization in infants reshapes gut development
Practically since its discovery, the highly contagious bacterium Clostridioides difficile has been reported to not cause symptoms in infants. But new findings suggest that the bacterium can reshape the developing infant gut and may have long-term consequences.
Food security
bZIP transcription factor AflHapX coordinates iron homeostasis and aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Researchers have identified the bZIP transcription factor AflHapX in Aspergillus flavus by searching its genome with the HapX protein sequence from Aspergillus fumigatus. They discovered that AflHapX is critical for A. flavus’s adaptive response to both iron excess and iron starvation.
Clean Water
Microplastics may act as pollutant shuttles, carrying chemicals, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes
A new review reveals how microplastics transport multiple pollutants across ecosystems and proposes a framework for identifying when these vector effects become serious ecological threats.
Archaea as “flexitarians”: Ammonia-oxidizing microbes also feed on amino acids
Symbiotic ammonia-oxidizing archaea in marine sponges are not strict specialists, but true “flexitarians”. Research has shown that these microbes dine not only on ammonia but also on amino acids - and presumably do that to communicate with their animal host.
