All Environmental Microbiology articles
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FeaturesTracking the invisible: monitoring microbial processes in freshwater ecosystems using fluorescence sensing
Rivers are dynamic ecosystems driven by microbial processes that regulate carbon and nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and oxygen consumption. Despite their central role in river health, microbial processes remain mostly invisible in routine water quality monitoring programmes, which continue to focus primarily on physicochemical parameters.
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NewsWeather and poultry litter shape E. coli survival in onion fields
How long can E.coli survive in the soil beneath an onion crop? A two-year field study suggests the answer depends not only on the type of poultry-based fertiliser used, but also on weather conditions such as humidity, rain, temperature and wind. The findings could help growers and regulators better assess food safety risks as extreme weather becomes more common.
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NewsFirst insight into the virome composition of the vulnerable Naemorhedus griseus
The Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) has been identified as a vulnerable species on the Red List of China’s Biodiversity. Scientists performed the whole virome profiling of a rescue-failed Naemorhedus griseus, which identified a diverse viral community across multiple organ tissues of the animal.
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NewsGroundbreaking research to sequence Antarctic genomes from microbes to whales
A molecular microbial ecologist and biological oceanographer has been awarded $18.4 million to lead a project that will pave the way for the next generation of Antarctic research. This research infrastructure will enable researchers to understand how Antarctic life has evolved and adapted to extreme conditions, while also seeding innovation.
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NewsHigh-altitude wetland reveals a distinctive genetic signature in DNA polymerase genes
Metagenomic analysis shows that DNA polymerase genes from China’s Napahai plateau wetland form distinctive evolutionary clusters, highlighting how geography and local environmental conditions may shape microbial genetic diversity.
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NewsHow human impacts increase risk of emerging infectious disease outbreaks
Global fragmentation of ecosystems and changing patterns of rainfall have increased the risk of diseases spreading to humans from animals, mosquitoes and ticks, finds a study.
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NewsRainwater tanks may be harbouring hidden health risks
Rainwater tanks are a popular way for Australians to save water, but new research has found they can also harbour potentially harmful bacteria and metals that could pose health concerns.
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NewsSuccession of colonising fungi reveals the dynamic nature of herbivore dung
Scientists investigating fungi colonising the dung of African herbivores, including rhinoceros, giraffe and zebra, have revealed how different groups of fungi succeed one another as dung decomposes.
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Long ReadsHow indigenous microbes could rescue the Niger Delta
Benzene contamination from decades of oil exploitation has turned the Niger Delta’s groundwater into a slow-acting poison for millions of people. Yet the solution may already be living in the contaminated sediment itself, if only the political will exists to deploy it.
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NewsFungi neutralize spruce defense mechanisms with sugar
A newly discovered detoxification strategy employed by fungi disarms spruce defense compounds by binding a sugar to them, which makes spruce trees more susceptible to bark beetle attacks.
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NewsShapeshifting plant roots rely on a balance of anatomy, metabolism, and microbes to maximize survival
Scientists have identified the mechanisms that allow plants to change their root anatomy to maximise survival when nutrients are scarce. The findings could pave the way for developing new ways to improve beneficial plant-microbe interactions in agriculture.
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NewsPaper reveals huge enthusiasm for Caribbean microbiome hub at inaugural symposium
Turnout at a recent symposium has confirmed the appetite for a new microbiome hub in Puerto Rico, reveals Puerto Rico AMI Global Ambassador Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino.
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NewsProfessor Jack Gilbert leaves a lasting legacy of collaboration and global engagement at AMI
As Professor Jack Gilbert steps down as President of Applied Microbiology International, he leaves a legacy of collaboration, generosity and an unwavering commitment to strengthening our global community.
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NewsAMI welcomes new member to its Board of Trustees
Applied Microbiology International has welcomed Professor Les Baillie as the latest member of its Board of Trustees. We also bid a fond farewell and thank you to Professor Diane Purchase who is leaving the Board.
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NewsPlant health: New joint factsheet outlines synergy between Horizon Europe projects FORSAID, CERBERUS and STELLA
One of the biggest threats to Europe’s forests and farms is the spread of biotic stressors, capable of reversing decades of cultivation and conservation. As part of its efforts to address this challenge, the EU has mobilised three sister projects - FORSAID, CERBERUS and STELLA.
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NewsAMI calls for marine microbes to be at the heart of Europe’s future ocean policy
Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has responded to the European Commission’s consultation on the proposed EU Ocean Act, highlighting the essential contribution of marine microorganisms to ocean health, climate regulation, biodiversity and the blue bioeconomy.
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NewsFree webinar: Nuts, bolts and getting down to brass tacks in the expanding universe of microbiome stewardship
In a fascinating free webinar from the Microbes and Social Equity 2026 Speaker Series, Dr Robert Beiko PhD will take a step back to examine a fundamental question at the heart of microbiome stewardship: what exactly are we trying to protect, and why?
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OpinionHow Puerto Rico’s first microbiome research center can reshape global science collaboration
AMI’s Global Ambassador for the Americas, Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico, reveals why she is spearheading the planned Puerto Rico Center for Microbiome Sciences (PR-CMS)—the first of its kind in the region.
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NewsLess UV light may mean less carbon storage in Antarctic tundra
As the ozone layer heals, less ultraviolet radiation reaches the Antarctic surface—a change usually viewed as beneficial for living organisms. But researchers have found that reduced ultraviolet radiation can substantially weaken the ability of Antarctic tundra to absorb carbon dioxide.
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NewsMicroplastics 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.