Latest news
New form of plastic pollution discovered on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs
‘Plasticorals’, coral rubble fused with plastic, are long-lasting reminders of human activity and highlight a potential threat to critical marine environments. a new study shows.
Gut microbiome development may help predict type 1 diabetes in children at high risk
A new prospective study found that children at high genetic risk of type 1 diabetes whose gut microbiome development plateaued early had about three times the risk of developing the disease compared with children whose microbiomes continued to mature.
Sixteen new fungus species found hiding in Thailand’s flowers
Researchers have discovered sixteen new species of fungus living unnoticed inside garden and wild flowers across northern Thailand, more than quintupling the number of such fungi known to occur in the country.
How a single viral protein hijacks immune cells to supercharge COVID-19 infection
A new discovery reveals how a SARS-CoV-2 protein reprograms immune cells to accelerate viral spread—and points to a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
Boosted BCG vaccine strategy significantly reduces tuberculosis relapse
A new study reveals that combining an immunotherapy with the traditional Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine drastically lowers the risk of TB relapse in preclinical models.
Bacteria pulled from local pond water show early promise for cleaning up sewage
A new study identifies green sulphur bacteria from Peshawar pond samples that reduced pollution markers in wastewater after a week of treatment.
New form of plastic pollution discovered on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs
‘Plasticorals’, coral rubble fused with plastic, are long-lasting reminders of human activity and highlight a potential threat to critical marine environments. a new study shows.
Gut microbiome development may help predict type 1 diabetes in children at high risk
A new prospective study found that children at high genetic risk of type 1 diabetes whose gut microbiome development plateaued early had about three times the risk of developing the disease compared with children whose microbiomes continued to mature.
Sixteen new fungus species found hiding in Thailand’s flowers
Researchers have discovered sixteen new species of fungus living unnoticed inside garden and wild flowers across northern Thailand, more than quintupling the number of such fungi known to occur in the country.
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.
Scientists develop microbially produced adhesive materials from glucose instead of petroleum
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of using microorganisms to produce a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived materials for hot-melt adhesives.Using Escherichia coli, the team produced a new polymer from glucose and demonstrated performance and properties that support its potential use as a hot-melt adhesive.
Multiplexed saliva-based immunodiagnostics for assessing anti-flavivirus immunity
Researchers have unveiled a saliva-based assay that rapidly, accurately, and noninvasively assesses flavivirus immunity by measuring multiple antibody classes in saliva.
Intermediate nitrification/denitrification bioreactor closes a gap
Researchers present a method for nitrification and denitrification of septic effluent comprising an intermediate nitrification/denitrification bioreactor which builds on concepts currently used in the design of full‑scale wastewater treatment plants.
Global Virus Network comments on H5N1 detections in Australian mammals
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is closely monitoring detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in several mammal species in Australia as the virus continues to spread among birds and mammals worldwide.
Deleting yeast DNA to save lives
People with weakened immune systems and some other conditions can experience an overgrowth of Candida yeasts, leading to a type of infection known as candidiasis. It might be possible to save these patients by using CRISPR to delete the very genes that let infectious Candida resist treatment - but which genes are responsible?
Major investment to unlock the potential of protist research
A new collaboration will tackle major technical challenges currently limiting protist genomics, helping to unlock the potential of protist research for biomanufacturing, sustainable agriculture and environmental applications.