All articles by Linda Stewart
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NewsFiber in whole wheat foods protects against gut inflammation in mice, study finds
Enriching the diet with wheat fiber protects mice against intestinal inflammation, according to a study. The finding helps explain why incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased, and suggests eating whole wheat foods may reduce one’s risk of developing it.
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NewsBiochar and beneficial fungi team up to detoxify toxic red mud and restore soil health
A new study has revealed a promising nature-based strategy to clean up red mud, one of the world’s most hazardous industrial wastes, by combining biochar with beneficial soil fungi to target specific pollutants and revive damaged soils.
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NewsScientists identify new Fusarium species behind wheat disease outbreak in Ethiopia
New research provides new insights into the severe 2022 outbreak of Fusarium head blight in Ethiopia and identifies emerging fungal pathogens that could have broader implications for global wheat production.
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NewsMedieval DNA reveals trans-Saharan connections, rapid genetic mixing, and leprosy in Islamic Ibiza
An international research team has revealed that the population of medieval Ibiza was remarkably diverse. One individual was found to be infected with Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy, marking the first genetically confirmed case from medieval Islamic Iberia.
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NewsNew antibiotic alternative fights foodborne salmonella
Researchers have discovered a safe and highly effective natural virus that functions like a precision-guided missile, capable of eliminating harmful Salmonella on various foods and packaging materials, showing great potential as a novel guardian for food safety.
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NewsRNA-guided CRISPR system activates gene expression
In back-to-back studies, researchers report a naturally evolved gene-editing system that can activate genes, offering an advantage over existing CRISPR gene-editing systems that merely find and cut DNA.
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NewsLong-term field study shows biochar delivers dual benefits for soil health and climate mitigation
A 14-year field study has provided compelling evidence that biochar can simultaneously reduce heavy metal risks in agricultural soils while enhancing carbon storage, offering a powerful strategy for sustainable farming and climate mitigation.
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NewsFirst Chagas disease conference on US soil highlights a turning point in national awareness
For the first time, a conference dedicated to Chagas disease research will be held on U.S. soil, marking a significant and symbolic moment for researchers, clinicians and public health leaders working to boost awareness of the disease in this country.
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NewsPork bones to the rescue: Healing arsenic-poisoned rice paddies with engineered char
A newly published paper explores exactly what happens when agricultural lands are treated with micro- and nano-scale bone char (MNBC). It proves that adding just a small amount of this specially processed biochar triggers a massive biological revival in toxic soil.
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NewsDramatic reduction in prescribing of hepatitis C antivirals may leave many curable patients untreated
A new study analyzed a large national prescription database to estimate hepatitis C treatment courses over time and trends by patient and prescriber characteristics from 2013–2025. Prescriptions rose rapidly after direct-acting antivirals first became available, peaking in 2015, but then declined sharply through 2025.
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NewsDifferent plastics, different threats: Tracking antibiotic resistance on riverborne debris
While traditional plastics steadily accumulate antibiotic resistance genes over time, biodegradable plastics can trigger short-lived but intense spikes in pathogens and resistance during degradation.
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NewsSimple antiseptic can reduce newborn infections
A new Cochrane review finds that chlorhexidine likely cuts umbilical cord infection rates by about 29% in low- and middle-income countries, and may reduce newborn deaths.
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NewsUnlocking the phosphorus puzzle: How microplastics and hydrochar change the way rice paddies feed
A fresh look at the soil microbiome reveals that the key to freeing up phosphorus locked away in the ground relies heavily on the type of carbon we add, whether that is treated animal waste or, surprisingly, synthetic plastic pollution.
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NewsWhy is vaccination for target populations plummeting in the UK? Share your insights!
As a group of leading UK health experts launches a new Commission on Access to Vaccines to understand why access levels are falling across the UK, Applied Microbiology International is calling on members to share their insights on childhood vaccinations.
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NewsHundreds of scientists gather in Edinburgh for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum 2026
Hundreds of scientists gathered at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) this week for a three-day conference aimed at showcasing the contributions of life scientists from marginalised and underrepresented communities.
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NewsTracking bacteria’s protective armor could help find targeted vaccine targets
The first large-scale genetic study of E. coli’s protective armour has identified the five capsule types that are responsible for 70 per cent of all multidrug-resistant bloodstream infections in Europe.
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NewsScientists combine algae and oyster shells for biodiesel born in the bayou
Researchers have developed an inexpensive way to make biodiesel from materials found along the banks of their Louisiana bayou: algae and oyster shells.
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NewsGenetic breakthrough uncovers evolutionary limits of the COVID-19 virus
A new paper indicates that while the COVID-19 virus has developed rapidly since 2019, it has done so within limited genetic channels. These genetic limits have remained unchanged.
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NewsHPV vaccination uptake in adults shaped by knowledge and medical advice
A nationwide survey of HPV uptake in Switzerland found just over 27% of the approximately 3,850 adults aged 18 to 45 surveyed had received at least one dose of the vaccine. While nearly 59% of those aged 18 to 26 are vaccinated, the rate drops to around 16% among those aged 27 to 45.
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NewsBrewing protein from greenhouse gases: A greener, more profitable alternative to farming
Engineers prove that feeding methane to bacteria outperforms traditional soy and fish meal in both ecological savings and financial returns.