Basil Fok
NewsKīlauea volcano’s ash prompted largest open ocean phytoplankton bloom
Through satellite tracking, a global study uncovered the reasons behind the stimulation of phytoplankton growth in the North Pacific Ocean, linking to the deposition of ashes to the major eruption of the Kīlauea Volcano in 2018 and nutrient deprivation in the ocean.
NewsBad breath, bad news: how gum disease could worsen liver conditions
A review discusses the close association of oral health and liver diseases, since oral pathogens and their factors can translocate to liver through the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate chronic liver conditions in multiple ways, as supported by animal and clinical studies.
NewsFiber consumption protects gut from serious bacterial infection, study suggests
Brazilian researchers have gained better understanding of the role of soluble dietary fibre in the mechanism of immune modulation and fight against gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile that causes severe diarrhoea and colon inflammation.
NewsLactic acid bacteria can improve plant-based dairy alternatives
A new study maps how specific lactic acid bacteria can enhance both the flavour and nutritional quality of plant-based dairy alternatives. The findings may have wide-reaching perspectives for the further development of sustainable foods.
NewsPoor oral health linked with body pain and migraines in women
A study showed that oral health, affected by the oral microbiome, has a direct link to musculoskeletal pain, including chronic migraines and headaches, as experienced by women with fibromyalgia.
NewsCOVID-19 vaccination induces long-lasting antibody B-cell responses
A research study revealed that memory B cells maintain long-lasting and stable responses prior to mRNA vaccinations for COVID-19, but updated vaccines targeting new variants could boost immunity.
NewsPhage therapy at a crossroads: global experts gather for ground-breaking 2025 Congress
Global multidisciplinary experts and innovators convene for the 8th World Congress on Targeting Phage Therapy 2025 on June 10-11. This leading event is dedicated to the advancement of bacteriophage science and applications in multiple bioscience areas.
NewsNew research boosts future whooping cough vaccines
By blocking the pertussis toxin epitopes with new found antibodies, researchers improved the pertussis vaccines to provide stronger, long-lasting immunity for infected and high-risk infants.
NewsNew COVID-19 drug shows greater promise against resistant viral strains
A new standalone oral drug candidate has proven to be effective against Paxlovid-resistant COVID-19 strain in animal models. It works with low doses and cause no drug interaction-induced side effects.
NewsMicroscopy reveals signs of life in earth’s extremes, boosting search for alien life
Researchers used advanced microscopy to detect microbial biosignatures that help to identify the signs of life in extreme environments on Earth, thus also applicable in the search of life in extraterrestial environments.
NewsAn antiviral chewing gum to reduce influenza and herpes simplex virus transmission
Researchers have used a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum to substantially reduce viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses and two influenza A strains in experimental models. The chewing gum could also work against bird flu.
NewsSome gut bacteria could make certain drugs less effective
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria can metabolize oral administered drugs that target G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and potentially other chemicals and food compounds, leading to impacts on the effectiveness of medication to patients.
NewsWestern diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
A study showed that traditional African diets, rich in fiber, fermented food and vegetables, have higher health benefits that boost immunity and reduce the risk of developing lifestyle diseases, compared to the high calorie and high saturated fats in the Western diet.
NewsHidden signals in water reveal disease early in tomato plants
Researchers have developed an innovative method for the early detection of Fusarium wilt in tomato plants by monitoring subtle changes in the plants’ water use.
NewsAn intelligent device for detecting infections using the temperature of the skin
Based on a flexible, self-sustaining thermoelectric system, scientists created an intelligent temperature-sensing device to detect inflammations and infections, which can assist clinical decisions upon monitoring wounds and lesions.
NewsmRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines train the ‘long-term memory’ of the innate immune system
A study showed that vaccination of multiple mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines could induce persistent epigenetic changes in innate immune cells, leading to long-term immune responses for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
NewsResearchers design genetic tools to develop vaccines more efficiently for African swine fever virus (ASFV)
A synthetic genomic-based reverse genetics tool has been developed for African swine fever virus (ASFV) that helps vaccine development to reduce the economic losses. The system may also be adapted to other emerging viral threats.
NewsDistinct patterns of soil bacterial and fungal communities in the treeline ecotone
A study was carried out to understand the biodiversity of the microbial communities in the treeline ecotone that might affect alpine ecosystems and other potential ecological effects in response to climate change.
NewsCoral diseases and water quality play a key role for coral restoration and survival efforts
A recent study which examined threatened Staghorn coral species found that while some coral genotypes displayed resistance to either high nutrient levels from run-off or disease, none were resistant to both stressors simultaneously.
NewsBiochar and microbe synergy: a path to climate-smart farming
Researchers conducted a global analysis to obtain a full picture of the environmental and agricultural benefits of biochar, which is shown to be beneficial to soil health and microbes.