Latest news
Prenatal infection increases risk of heavy drinking later in life
Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new study shows.
Researchers discover novel bacteria in Florida’s stranded pygmy sperm whales
Researchers have identified three previously unknown genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria living inside stranded pygmy sperm whales. The study represents the first documented occurrence of these unique Helicobacter genotypes – now designated Kogia Helicobacter 1, 2 and 3 – in pygmy sperm whales.
Scientists discover ‘bacterial constipation’, a new disease caused by gut-drying bacteria
Scientists have found two gut bacteria working together that contribute to chronic constipation. The duo, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, destroy the intestinal mucus coating essential for keeping the colon lubricated and feces hydrated.
Hope for global banana farming in genetic discovery
Scientists have pinpointed crucial genetic resistance to fight a fungal disease which threatens the global banana supply in a wild subspecies of the fruit. The team have identified the genomic region that controls resistance to Fusarium wilt Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4).
A break in a longstanding mystery about origin of complex life
One of our microbial ancestors was part of a group called the Asgard archaea, which today live primarily in the deep sea and other oxygen-free spaces. Now scientists have found that some Asgards use, or at least tolerate oxygen.
Missing microbes in UK infant gut and probiotics highlighted by global microbiome atlas
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria in infants around the world has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut and not found in commercial probiotic products. It lays the foundation for more effective, tailored infant probiotics.
Prenatal infection increases risk of heavy drinking later in life
Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new study shows.
Researchers discover novel bacteria in Florida’s stranded pygmy sperm whales
Researchers have identified three previously unknown genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria living inside stranded pygmy sperm whales. The study represents the first documented occurrence of these unique Helicobacter genotypes – now designated Kogia Helicobacter 1, 2 and 3 – in pygmy sperm whales.
Scientists discover ‘bacterial constipation’, a new disease caused by gut-drying bacteria
Scientists have found two gut bacteria working together that contribute to chronic constipation. The duo, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, destroy the intestinal mucus coating essential for keeping the colon lubricated and feces hydrated.
Scaling up: Fungus plays key role in crafting spalted wood
A new standardized, scalable process deploys a fungal pest of deciduous trees to create a unique woodworking product - spalted wood, with its distinctive etched black markings.
Valneva provides update on recommendations for use of IXCHIQ® in UK
Valneva SE has announced that following a review of the benefits and risks of the Company’s single-dose chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ® , the United Kingdom’s (UK) Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has updated its recommendations for use of the vaccine.
Technology transfer for Corallopyronin A successfully completed with Phyton Biotech
Phyton Biotech has successfully transferred the manufacturing process for the microbial production of Corallopyronin A (CorA). CorA is a novel anti-infective agent with the potential to address neglected tropical diseases.
Novel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared the harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile in an animal model of infection. An experimental vaccine administered to the mucosal lining of the colon protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence.
Scientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus
Using mice with human antibody genes, scientists have developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent two key antigens on the surface of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) from binding to and entering human immune cells.
New biosensor offers early warning system for disease
Researchers have developed a tissue-adhesive sensor for real-time oral health monitoring to combat long-term issues such as gum disease and tooth loss.
Webinar: What does it mean when environmental microbiomes are described as resilient?
Environmental microbiomes are often described as ‘resilient’ - but what does that even mean? A free upcoming webinar and coffee hour delivered by Dr Ashley Shade, as part of the Microbes and Social Equity 2026 Speaker Series, aims to find out.
Global commitment on display as countries negotiate key annex to the Pandemic Agreement
Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded a weeklong round of negotiations on draft annex for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) – a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
Mpox: recombinant virus with genomic elements of clades Ib and IIb
Recombination of monkeypox virus (MPXV) strains has been documented in recent months, with two cases of a recombinant strain comprising clade Ib and IIb MPXV reported, the World Health Organization says.