Linda Stewart
News and Current Affairs Editor
Linda studied Pure & Applied Biology BA at St Anne’s College, Oxford, before completing an MSc in Conservation at UCL. After two years in a Water Service lab in Northern Ireland, she switched to a career in newspaper journalism, working as a general reporter at the Belfast Telegraph before becoming the regional daily’s first Environment Correspondent from 2008 until 2016. She was named Environment Correspondent of the Year 2011 and Feature Journalist of the Year in 2014 at the NI Media Awards. After serving as editor on a number of retail sector magazines, she is enjoying turning her journalism skills to delivering fresh and fascinating scientific news content in The Microbiologist.
Contact info
NewsCleaning surfaces every two hours cuts norovirus infections by 83% in airports
At airports, frequently disinfecting surfaces, mask-wearing and antimicrobial surface coatings can all help prevent the spread of norovirus, according to a new study.
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.
NewsMutation could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans
A recent study reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 bird flu virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of passing from person to person.
CareersSilvani Verruck: my year as a Junior Editor with Letters in Applied Microbiology
One year after we launched our Junior Editor programme with Letters in Applied Microbiology, Professor Silvani Verruck of Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil tells us how she is getting on.
NewsBacterial ‘biopesticide’ against malaria mosquitoes successful in early field tests
An experimental bacteria-derived biopesticide is highly effective in killing malaria-carrying mosquitoes, including those that have developed resistance to chemical pesticides, according to initial field tests.
NewsTherapeutic tool inhibits the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
A study led by the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council’s Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC - CSIC) presents a new therapeutic tool capable of inhibiting the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
NewsOcean density identified as a key driver of carbon capture by marine plankton
Changes in ocean density have a significant impact on the rate at which marine plankton incorporate carbon into their shells, with profound implications for carbon cycling and the ocean’s ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 in response to climate change.
NewsTiny dancers: Scientists synchronise bacterial motion
Researchers have discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronise their movements, creating order in seemingly random biological systems.
NewsCovid-19 virus can damage the retina - even without severe respiratory disease
An experimental study in mice shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection can damage the retinas, with long-term implications for vision.
NewsThe viral puzzle of why humans are susceptible to hepatitis B - but monkeys are not
Scientists collaborated to reveal the structural features of hepatitis B viral receptor homologue in macaques that restrict viral entry into their cells.
NewsFungal structures could be deployed in aerospace industry
Manufacturing a material that mimics mushrooms and other fungal structures could provide opportunities in any number of areas, ranging from aerospace engineering to clothing production.
NewsPeat-bog fungi produce substances that kill tuberculosis-causing bacteria
An analysis of fungi collected from peat bogs has identified several species that produce substances toxic to the bacterium that causes the human disease tuberculosis.
NewsHow did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut
Microbes supporting the production of more metabolic energy could be key to the evolution of large brains, according to a study that shows gut microbes from different animal species shape variations in their biology.
NewsCold plasma isn’t just for sterilisation - it could become a vital green tool in water purification
Cold plasma isn’t just for sterilisation, but offers potential as a sustainable water treatment that can target stubborn contaminants like biofilms and pharmaceuticals, according to a new review.
NewsBacteria ditch tags to dodge antibiotics
Bacteria modify their ribosomes when exposed to widely used antibiotics, according to new research. The subtle changes might be enough to alter the binding site of drug targets and constitute a possible new mechanism of antibiotic resistance.
NewsA new approach to predicting malaria drug resistance
Researchers analyzed the genomes of hundreds of malaria parasites to determine which genetic variants are most likely to confer drug resistance.
NewsNanorobot hand made of DNA grabs viruses for diagnostics and blocks cell entry
A tiny, four-fingered ‘hand’ folded from a single piece of DNA can pick up the virus that causes COVID-19 for highly sensitive rapid detection and can even block viral particles from entering cells to infect them.
NewsMouse gut fungus reveals secrets of symbiosis and allergy
A fungus discovered in the mouse stomach may hold a key to fungal evolution within the gastrointestinal tract, according to new research. The finding suggests that preclinical studies until now have overlooked a major influencer of mouse physiology.
NewsOceans emit sulfur and cool the climate more than previously thought
Researchers have quantified for the first time the global emissions of a sulfur gas produced by plankton, revealing it cools the climate more than previously thought, especially over the Southern Ocean.
NewsCervical cancer deaths in young women plummet after introduction of HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer deaths have plunged dramatically among women under age 25, and researchers believe this is likely due to HPV vaccination.
