All Imperial College London articles
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NewsNew study reveals that parasite-produced dopamine can alter host behaviour
A new study has shed light on how Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, can alter host behaviour. The research findings show that such behavioural changes are achieved, at least in part, through dopamine manipulation caused by dopamine produced by the parasite itself.
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NewsMajor breakthrough against diabetes thanks to a microbial molecule that disarms inflammation
Researchers have uncovered a surprising ally in the fight against insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: a microbial metabolite called trimethylamine. TMA, produced by gut bacteria from dietary choline can block a key immune pathway and improve blood sugar control.
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NewsLargest study of nose microbiome helps highlight those at risk of staph aureus infection
People who persistently carry Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in their nose have fewer species of other bacteria, while certain bacteria may help to prevent S. aureus colonisation, according to the findings of the largest-ever study of the nasal microbiome.
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NewsGSK and Fleming Initiative scientists unite to target AMR with advanced AI
GSK and the Fleming Initiative have announced six major new research programmes, called ‘Grand Challenges’ which harness some of the best scientific expertise and the latest technologies, including advanced AI, to find new ways to slow the progress of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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NewsA new gateway to global antimicrobial resistance data
To support global AMR research, EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) has launched the AMR portal, a central hub that connects bacterial genomes, resistance phenotypes, and functional annotations, all in one place. The AMR portal ensures long-term availability, standardisation, and reusability of AMR data.
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NewsNew drug target identified in fight against resistant infections
Researchers have identified new drug targets within a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria, known as Rtc, which enables them to counteract the effects of these antibiotics.
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NewsRODIN project will invest 10 M€ to explore cells as the architects of future biomaterials
RODIN - Cell-mediated Sculptable Living Platforms - is set to revolutionize the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering by shifting the focus from designing materials for cells to empowering cells to design their own environments.
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NewsGlobal platform for pandemic preparedness to be established at DTU National Food Institute
A new global online infrastructure aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics. DTU National Food Institute in Denmark will serve as the focal point for the new infrastructure. Work to build the platform will begin on 1 January 2026.
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NewsSummer studentship: Shen explores how a novel peptide can destabilise the outer membrane of E. coli
Li Shen reports back on his AMI-sponsored summer studentship which investigated a novel antibiotic adjuvant at the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London.
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NewsStartling images show how antibiotic pierces bacteria’s armor
Researchers have shown for the first time how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins pierce the armour of harmful bacteria. They showed how Polymyxin B rapidly caused bumps and bulges to break out on the surface of an E. coli cell, followed by the bacterium shedding its outer armour.
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NewsMicrobial allies: Bacteria help fight against cancer
An international team of scientists have discovered that microbes associated with tumours produce a molecule that can control cancer progression and boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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News‘Microbial piracy’ uncovers new way to fight drug-resistant infections
Researchers have discovered how ‘pirate phages’ hijack other viruses to break into bacteria, sharing new genetic material for dangerous traits.
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NewsResearchers map key human proteins that power coronavirus replication, pointing to new treatment strategies
Scientists have pinpointed dozens of human proteins that SARS-CoV-2 needs to complete its full life cycle, from entering a cell to replicating and releasing new viral particles.
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NewsSpace Park Leicester developing technology for ultra-clean mini-lab to potentially contain extra-terrestrial samples returned to Earth
Work has begun to design and build a Double-Walled Isolator (DWI), akin to an ultra-clean miniature laboratory, to safely store and analyse extra-terrestrial materials, such as the first material from Mars.
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NewsCyanobacterium study reveals how circadian clocks maintain robustness in changing environments
New research has uncovered how a simple circadian clock network demonstrates advanced noise-filtering capabilities, enhancing our understanding of how biological circuits maintain accuracy in dynamic natural environments.
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NewsRepeated outbreaks of coffee wilt disease threatens our daily brew
A new study reveals that the fungal pathogen Fusarium xylarioides continues to pose a significant threat to coffee production and incomes across sub-Saharan Africa.
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NewsHistoric outbreaks of coffee wilt disease linked to gene transfer from another fungus
The fungus that causes coffee wilt disease repeatedly took up segments of DNA from a related fungal pathogen, which contributed to successive outbreaks of the disease.
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News‘Russian doll’ packaging could boost drug delivery
Researchers have developed a new technology that lets them create compartments within compartments on the nanoscale, which can mean timing drug release for maximum effect at the site where it’s most needed.
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NewsMayaro and chikungunya viruses observed circulating at the same time in the Brazilian Amazon
Infection by one virus was expected to afford protection against the other, preventing co-circulation. Researchers are warning of the risk of transmission of Mayaro in urban areas due to deforestation and advocate more effective epidemiological surveillance.
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NewsNew HIV reporter model: Visualizing HIV viral dynamics in cells with dual fluorescence
Researchers have developed a novel viral reporter system that allows for real-time visualization of HIV dynamics post-viral infection. HIV-Tocky features dual fluorescence to illuminate the process of provirus silencing and reactivation.