All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 26
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NewsLouse-borne relapsing fever: How the pathogen evades the immune system
A research team has now identified and characterized five closely related proteins that are crucial for the survival of Borrelia recurrentis in the human body. These so-called Chi proteins appear to have evolved from a common ancestor and are therefore considered homologous.
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NewsPathogenic fungus transmitted by domestic cat scratches is present in wild animals
Researchers detected pathogenic species of Sporothrix in the internal organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles that were killed by vehicles on Brazilian roads. The study reveals a new reservoir for fungi and highlights the need for surveillance.
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NewsFasting-mimicking diet reduces gum disease inflammation
A new study highlights how lifestyle modifications could be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease. While fasting has been linked to reduced inflammation around the body, this is the first to establish a relationship with gum disease too.
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NewsAs California warms, cases of dengue fever are expected to grow
Historically, dengue fever has been rare in California. But according to new research, a warming climate is making parts of the state more hospitable to the illness — and the mosquitoes that carry it.
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NewsGLP-1s may alleviate depression in mice through the microbiome
Some people taking GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity experience mental health benefits. In a mouse model study, researchers report that these improvements appear to result from gut microbiome changes that lead to an abundance of a microbe strain known to have a favorable effect on neurons related to stress.
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NewsWhen motion prevents order: scientists probe self-organising activity
Pack enough string-like objects together, and they will begin to align with one another. But replace the strings with worms or bacteria living in your gut, and this self-organisation becomes much more difficult. Researchers have demonstrated that activity can fundamentally alter one of the most important phase transitions in soft matter physics.
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NewsSlow down, microbes: When wheat learns to protect the nitrogen
Wheat plants can do more than grow grain. Research shows that their roots release natural compounds that slow down soil microbes and keep nitrogen in the soil potentially cutting losses, greenhouse gas emissions and costs for farmers.
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NewsScientists probe antiviral molecules in bacteria that target bacteriophages
Researchers have examined the antiviral molecule daunorubicin, produced by Streptomycetes, and decoded its mode of operation against viruses. They now describe this mechanism, which primarily targets a specific group of viruses – namely bacteriophages.
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NewsBiochar triggers a five-year soil recovery cascade in acidifying rice paddies
A long-term field study reveals how biochar reshapes soil chemistry, microbes, viruses, and metabolites to support healthier agricultural ecosystems.
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NewsChina’s psittacosis knowledge gap: A scoping review calls for coordinated action
Psittacosis—a bacterial pneumonia transmitted from birds to humans—is experiencing a notable resurgence in China. A new review presents a sobering picture: psittacosis is epidemiologically substantive, clinically serious, and chronically underserved by institutional resources and public health infrastructure.
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News Bruke showcases expanding Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics portfolio at ASM Microbe 2026
At ASM Microbe 2026, Bruker Corporation’s Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics (BMID) division demonstrated its expanding portfolio and innovations across microbial identification, sepsis diagnostics, molecular testing, and NGS workflows, advancing clinical research, and faster, actionable infectious disease diagnostics.
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NewsAMI Member Survey reveals strong global engagement and growing demand for career support
Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has published the results of its 2026 Member Survey, revealing a highly engaged and increasingly international membership community, while highlighting new opportunities to strengthen accessibility, visibility and participation across the organisation.
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NewsMicrobial research captured among winning science images
Microbial research features among some of the winning images in Nature’s 2026 Scientist at Work photography competition. Microbiome sampling of whale sharks, algal blooms, and a coral probiotics village feature among five spectacular images showcasing the diversity and challenges of scientific research.
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NewsScientists just found 4 new species of underwater ‘living pink rocks’ that help to store carbon
Rhodoliths may look like small rocks on the seafloor, but they’re actually living algae that create habitats for marine life and contribute to long-term carbon storage. The deeper ‘low-light’ waters off Japan’s Tanegashima Island harbor a surprisingly distinct and diverse community, including four species completely new to science.
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NewsWhy plastic lingers: Water chemistry slows nature’s cleanup
In a new study designed to mimic real environmental conditions, researchers found that the chemical makeup of natural waters significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene, a common plastic used in packaging and food containers. Because sunlight cannot effectively initiate the degradation process, microbes cannot finish the job.
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NewsThe evolution of individual species can shape entire species communities
A study demonstrated that the evolution of a single species can alter the composition of an entire species community. The study monitored a microbial community composed of 23 bacterial species for four years. Researchers analysed the community’s species composition and changes in bacterial genomes.
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NewsBiologist dives beneath Antarctica sea ice to study the impact of climate change
One biologist is studying the genetic diversity of red algae to see how this vital part of Antarctica’s underwater ecosystem is affected by climate change. Answering that question is becoming increasingly important as Earth’s warming climate causes Antarctica’s sea ice to recede farther with every passing year.
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NewsExpert tips: Why it’s best to eat more than one kind of fiber - and build up gradually
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. By eating a variety of plant-based foods, increasing fiber intake gradually and staying well hydrated, you can support gut health and overall well-being while making fiber goals more achievable and sustainable. Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S., a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, ...
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NewsBiochar and beneficial microbes team up to restore polluted soils and boost crop growth
A new review examines how biochar-immobilized microbes can help clean contaminated soils, improve soil health, and support crop growth. By analyzing evidence from 92 published studies, the authors provide a data-driven overview of how this technology works and what is needed to bring it closer to practical use on farms.
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NewsStudy finds common infection does not increase risk of recurrent preterm birth
A new study has found that the common sexually transmitted infection, Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as MGen, does not appear to increase the risk of recurrent preterm birth. Earlier research suggested that certain Mycoplasma species might contribute to preterm labor, but those studies were limited.