All Microbial Biotechnology articles
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NewsBiosensor detects early fungal outbreaks, advances plant biotechnology
A new biosensor detects the emerging presence of fungus on plants at the molecular level, paving the way for next-generation crop protection and the development of stress-tolerant plants.
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NewsScientists reveal valuable secrets of Pacific coral reefs
An international consortium of scientists has uncovered new insights into coral ecosystems, revealing that different coral species host their own distinct communities of microbes. They show that coral reefs harbour diverse microbes and produce chemicals with promising potential.
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NewsFrom microbial processes to biofilm control: our interview with JAM Microbial Biotechnology lead editor Manuel Simões
Professor Manuel Simões, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Applied Microbiology, has just been appointed as the journal’s new lead editor in Microbial Biotechnology. Here’s why he’s looking forward to the challenge.
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NewsDiversification of termite diets was made possible by genome modifications
Study reveals that evolutionary divergence occurred before ecological divergence, enabling these insects to feed on both wood and soil. Future discoveries may be applied to the production of biofuels.
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NewsBreadcrumbs lead to fossil free production of everyday goods
The humble breadcrumb could hold the key to cutting out fossil fuels from one of the chemical industry’s most widely used reactions. Scientists have found a one-pot microbial formula that uses waste bread to replace fossil fuel-derived hydrogen in hydrogenation.
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NewsRhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria
Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The compounds, orsellinic acid-derived meroterpenoids, are produced by Rhododendron species.
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NewsHow the joint defence mechanism of two bacteria works
Back in 2021, researchers showed that bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Paenibacillus join forces to protect themselves from their predator, an amoeba. Now, they have been able to show exactly how this defense mechanism works.
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NewsA standout solvent for today’s biorefineries
Researchers tested multiple distillable amine-based solvents to see how they performed in pretreatment processes for biomass. They found butylamine was a superior solvent.
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NewsTaxiing through the gut: Formic acid in the microbiome
Scientists have found that the gut bacterium Blautia luti produces formic acid (formate) instead of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen, with hydrogen bound to CO₂. In this case, formic acid is the electron taxi, allowing the energetically costly production of hydrogen to be bypassed.
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NewsScientists engineer quantum-enabled proteins, opening a new frontier in biotechnology
A new study reports the creation of a new class of biomolecules, magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins, that can interact with magnetic fields and radio waves. This is enabled by quantum mechanical interactions within the protein, and occur when it is exposed to light of an appropriate wavelength.
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NewsJournal of Applied Microbiology launches new Research Themes for 2026
The Journal of Applied Microbiology is kicking off 2026 with the unveiling of four key Research Themes under the JAM umbrella. Each Theme encompasses emerging hot topics and leading-edge research that align with AMI’s goal to apply microbiology to solving the world’s greatest challenges.
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NewsGut bacteria molecule boosts lung cancer treatment response
Researchers have discovered a small compound produced naturally by gut bacteria that doubled the response to lung cancer immunotherapy treatment in mice and can now be made into a drug for testing in humans.
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NewsNew study explores therapeutic potential of CRISPRCas3 genome-editing system
Scientists working on the genetic disease transthyretin amyloidosis evaluated the efficacy of the CRISPR–Cas3 system in safely achieving a permanent reduction of transthyretin (TTR) production through genome editing of the TTR gene.
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NewsFrom palm oil to designer enzymes: researchers reprogram yeast cells
Many everyday products contain fatty acids from palm oil or coconut oil, but the extraction of these raw materials is associated with massive environmental issues. Researchers have now developed a biotechnological approach that could enable a more environmentally friendly production method.
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NewsCommercially viable biomanufacturing: designer yeast turns sugar into lucrative chemical 3-HP
Using a tiny, acid-tolerant yeast, scientists have demonstrated a cost-effective way to produce industial chemical 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid, making disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint more sustainable through biomanufacturing.
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NewsBeyond gene scissors: New CRISPR mechanism discovered
Two studies describe how researchers found a novel CRISPR mechanism, Cas12a2, in a family of nucleases that exclusively cleave DNA. In contrast, Cas12a2 was able to broadly cleave both RNA and DNA.
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NewsRibosomal engineering creates ‘super-probiotic’ bacteria
Using ribosome engineering (RE), researchers introduced mutations affecting the protein synthesis mechanism of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). These mutant LGGs exhibit altered surface protein expression, including increased presentation of so-called “moonlighting proteins.”
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NewsCRISPR discovery could lead to single diagnostic test for COVID, flu, RSV
Researchers report newly discovered details about the Cas12a3 immune system that precisely targets transfer RNA in invading pathogens, without destroying host cells.
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NewsA practical guide for characterization of novel CRISPR-Cas systems with Pro-CRISPR factors
In this protocol, the authors provide a method encompassing protein purification, biochemical characterization, validation of protein-protein interactions, and preliminary in vivo functional assays in bacteria for Cas nuclease and its associated Pro-CRISPR factor.
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NewsMutated baker’s yeast at the forefront of petroleum substitute tech
Researchers engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) introduced mutations into the genomic DNA. The researchers engineered four altered strains and subjected them to ethanol, heat, and low pH stressors.