Latest news
Bacteria in classroom dust associated with reduced lung function in children
Common bacteria found in classroom dust are associated with reduced lung function in children according to new research, Children in classrooms with higher levels of Streptomyces had a 0.08 litres lower forced vital capacity (FVC).
Bacteria can make testosterone. What could that mean for prostate cancer?
Scientists have identified an unexpected participant in androgen chemistry: a bacterium from the human urinary tract that can convert the steroid precursor DHEA into testosterone under laboratory conditions. It reveals a previously unknown microbial route to a hormone that is central to prostate biology.
Researchers find C. difficile colonization in infants reshapes gut development
Practically since its discovery, the highly contagious bacterium Clostridioides difficile has been reported to not cause symptoms in infants. But new findings suggest that the bacterium can reshape the developing infant gut and may have long-term consequences.
Less UV light may mean less carbon storage in Antarctic tundra
As the ozone layer heals, less ultraviolet radiation reaches the Antarctic surface—a change usually viewed as beneficial for living organisms. But researchers have found that reduced ultraviolet radiation can substantially weaken the ability of Antarctic tundra to absorb carbon dioxide.
Scientists discover link between gut bacteria and severe liver disease
Researchers have identified what may potentially be a missing link between specific activities in gut bacteria and the liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis: the metabolite ImP, a molecule formed when certain gut bacteria break down dietary components.
What happens when a shoreline scavenger consumes microplastics?
Researchers report on what happens when wharf roaches, a common shoreline scavenger, eat expanded polystyrene (EPS). Analysis of the wharf roach gut microbiome showed little change, but several rare microbes were found only in the EPS-fed specimens.
Bacteria in classroom dust associated with reduced lung function in children
Common bacteria found in classroom dust are associated with reduced lung function in children according to new research, Children in classrooms with higher levels of Streptomyces had a 0.08 litres lower forced vital capacity (FVC).
Bacteria can make testosterone. What could that mean for prostate cancer?
Scientists have identified an unexpected participant in androgen chemistry: a bacterium from the human urinary tract that can convert the steroid precursor DHEA into testosterone under laboratory conditions. It reveals a previously unknown microbial route to a hormone that is central to prostate biology.
Researchers find C. difficile colonization in infants reshapes gut development
Practically since its discovery, the highly contagious bacterium Clostridioides difficile has been reported to not cause symptoms in infants. But new findings suggest that the bacterium can reshape the developing infant gut and may have long-term consequences.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
Green hydrogen production and storage using alcohols, iron, and baker’s yeast
A new recyclable system uses baker’s yeast to store H₂ in organic molecules and iron ions to release it when needed - offering a promising route toward more sustainable hydrogen production and storage.
Creating yeast strains that aren’t picky eaters
Scientists have engineered yeasts that can simultaneously use different sugars in biomass crops.
Mosaic nanoparticles deliver broad-spectrum mucosal protection against diverse coronaviruses
Researchers have developed a novel “mosaic” nanoparticle vaccine platform that successfully penetrates the mucus barrier to deliver broad-spectrum mucosal protection against a diverse array of coronaviruses, including highly evasive SARS-like and MERS-like strains.
MXene-based hydrogel disrupt bacterial biofilms and reprogram immune cell metabolism to reverse bone resorption in periodontitis
Researchers have developed an injectable MXene-based composite hydrogel (GQM) for the treatment of periodontitis. The hydrogel consists of oxidized gellan gum (OG), quaternized chitosan (QCS), and magnesium-tannic acid modified MXene nanosheets (MTA-Mg).
Micro-bladder model offers clues to stopping recurrent UTIs
A new study shows that phage therapy – the use of tiny viruses to kill bacteria without harming people – could help to reduce recurrent infections, which happen when the bacteria responsible for UTIs ‘hide’ in the tissue of the bladder.
Researchers test far-ultraviolet light to prevent bird flu in poultry
Researchers are preparing to test a new potential line of defense against highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI in poultry farming. They will use a form of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, to see if it can kill HPAI, without harming birds on poultry farms.
International award supports research into fern-microbe symbiosis
Dr Sophie de Vries will combine evolutionary genomics with experiments that pair ferns and different microbes, to investigate how plants fight off “foes” (diseases) at the same time as supporting their beneficial “friendships” (bacterial partners).
Gerontological Society of America supports new immunization guidance
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) supports the 2026-27 respiratory season vaccine evidence review released by the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) in collaboration with the American Medical Association.