Latest news
Smoky off-flavors in cocoa aren’t caused solely by smoke - overfermentation can be the cause
Researchers have shown that overfermentation of cocoa beans can cause smoky, leathery, and cheesy off-flavors. Smoky flavors, therefore, are not necessarily attributable to smoke contamination.
Loss of kelp forests reverberates down to microbial level
As one moves north, Maine’s kelp forests are being overtaken by dense mats of carpet-like turf algae. The steady decline of kelp, and transition into this new state, is altering the ecosystem all the way down to the microbial level, according to a new study.
Semen facilitates infection with mpox virus
Researchers have found that seminal fluid can facilitate infection of skin cells with the mpox virus. An analysis of the seminal fluid showed that certain naturally occurring protein fragments are responsible for this effect.
Mould toxins in food are not destroyed during cooking or baking
A survey shows that only a small proportion of the population (29 per cent) is concerned about potential health risks posed by mould, whilst the majority (51 per cent) do not give it any thought at all.
Antarctica is home to microbes found nowhere else on Earth
Researchers have found evidence that specific microbes in Antarctica’s soils are endemic — located on the continent and nowhere else on Earth.
Plant diversity: Does it really matter for gut health? (BTW, dark chocolate counts)
New research shows that eating a more diverse range of plants - including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices - on a weekly basis may be associated with better gut and metabolic health.
Smoky off-flavors in cocoa aren’t caused solely by smoke - overfermentation can be the cause
Researchers have shown that overfermentation of cocoa beans can cause smoky, leathery, and cheesy off-flavors. Smoky flavors, therefore, are not necessarily attributable to smoke contamination.
Loss of kelp forests reverberates down to microbial level
As one moves north, Maine’s kelp forests are being overtaken by dense mats of carpet-like turf algae. The steady decline of kelp, and transition into this new state, is altering the ecosystem all the way down to the microbial level, according to a new study.
Semen facilitates infection with mpox virus
Researchers have found that seminal fluid can facilitate infection of skin cells with the mpox virus. An analysis of the seminal fluid showed that certain naturally occurring protein fragments are responsible for this effect.
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.
Researchers clear major obstacle in genetic engineering of proteins
An unexpected discovery about tRNAs leads to tool that can drive faster, safer production of new medicines.
Meet the future of fashion: Clothes made alive by fungi
Scientists develop a flexible living textile based on caterpillar fungus, which can be used to make self-colouring, self-cleaning and self-repairing clothes.
Researchers zap microbe DNA in the name of food safety
A new study investigates eBeam (electron beam) technology, demonstrating its ability to control food pathogens without jeopardising meat quality.
Researcher awarded two NIH grants to advance research on antibiotic-resistant infections
The research is focused on developing new strategies to combat two infectious diseases: catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and invasive Group A Streptococcus skin infections, both of which are increasingly difficult to treat because of antimicrobial resistance.
Epidemiologist discusses Pennsylvania’s first measles deaths in 35 years
Epidemiologist Jennifer Horney highlights the importance of vaccinations after the deaths of two Pennsylvania residents – the first measles deaths in the state in 35 years.
Meet the Global Ambassadors: our Q&A with Luay Abu-Qatouseh
The Microbiologist gets to know our Global Ambassador for Jordan, Associate Prof. Dr. Luay Abu-Qatouseh of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra.