Latest news
Plague never disappeared, but modern medicine has changed the risk
Plague may sound like a disease from the history books, but Yersinia pestis still circulates in wildlife around the world. Despite recent concern over a possible laboratory-linked death in Russia, experts stress that human cases remain rare and the infection is usually treatable when diagnosed quickly.
Gut-inspired biobattery uses bacteria to generate electricity
The tiny finger-like structures lining our small intestine have inspired a new design for bacteria-powered batteries. By mimicking intestinal villi, researchers created a bioelectrode with more surface area and better nutrient flow, allowing bacteria to generate stable electricity for hours.
Newly discovered viruses could bridge a missing link in evolution
Researchers have uncovered previously unknown viruses that appear to bridge the evolutionary gap between viruses and protein compartments found inside cells. The discovery suggests these systems may have evolved from one another repeatedly, offering new clues about the origins of cellular organisation and the early evolution of life.
Research finds vegan honey could be made with similar antimicrobial properties to mānuka honey
Vegan honey alternatives could be engineered to have similar antimicrobial properties to prized mānuka honey from New Zealand, according to research. Two components of mānuka honey proved to be particularly effective when added to vegan honey formulations - methylglyoxal (MGO) and hydrogen peroxide.
Researchers discover Achilles’ heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Even highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria become more vulnerable when their cell wall transport system is disrupted, according to a new study. The discovery reveals a previously overlooked weakness that could help researchers develop new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.
One-step rapid syphilis test detects infection earlier, researchers report
A new rapid test detects lower levels of the two types of antibodies the body makes to fight syphilis bacteria and respond to disease-related cell damage, potentially leading to earlier interventions and fewer appointments for patients.
Gut-inspired biobattery uses bacteria to generate electricity
The tiny finger-like structures lining our small intestine have inspired a new design for bacteria-powered batteries. By mimicking intestinal villi, researchers created a bioelectrode with more surface area and better nutrient flow, allowing bacteria to generate stable electricity for hours.
Newly discovered viruses could bridge a missing link in evolution
Researchers have uncovered previously unknown viruses that appear to bridge the evolutionary gap between viruses and protein compartments found inside cells. The discovery suggests these systems may have evolved from one another repeatedly, offering new clues about the origins of cellular organisation and the early evolution of life.
Research finds vegan honey could be made with similar antimicrobial properties to mānuka honey
Vegan honey alternatives could be engineered to have similar antimicrobial properties to prized mānuka honey from New Zealand, according to research. Two components of mānuka honey proved to be particularly effective when added to vegan honey formulations - methylglyoxal (MGO) and hydrogen peroxide.
Perpetual Next signs agreement to accelerate the roll-out of standardized biomethanol plants
Perpetual Next have signed a License and Engineering Agreement with Air Liquide Engineering and Technologies for the supply of syngas-to-methanol technology for Perpetual Next’s first biomethanol facility, with an option to extend across other biomethanol sites.
AFYREN and Terrial renew their partnership for French-manufactured potash fertilizers
AFYREN and Terrial today announce the renewal of their strategic partnership with the signing of a new multi-year fertilizer supply contract, worth several tens of millions of euros This long-term contract strengthens both companies’ commitment to making French agriculture more sustainable and less dependent on international fertilizer markets.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
One-step rapid syphilis test detects infection earlier, researchers report
A new rapid test detects lower levels of the two types of antibodies the body makes to fight syphilis bacteria and respond to disease-related cell damage, potentially leading to earlier interventions and fewer appointments for patients.
A self-disinfecting fabric eliminates bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings
Researchers have developed a new self-disinfecting cotton fabric capable of eliminating bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings using visible light. The material incorporates two photoactive compounds which, when exposed to light, generate a highly reactive form of oxygen that damages the microorganisms adhering to the fabric.
A ‘society on a chip’ reveals how viruses spread
Researchers have built a centimetre-scale ‘society on a chip’ that recreates how viruses spread through structured populations. By changing cell density, susceptibility and movement, the platform can mimic transmission, social distancing and even herd-immunity-like effects in real time.
Plague never disappeared, but modern medicine has changed the risk
Plague may sound like a disease from the history books, but Yersinia pestis still circulates in wildlife around the world. Despite recent concern over a possible laboratory-linked death in Russia, experts stress that human cases remain rare and the infection is usually treatable when diagnosed quickly.
Researcher to investigate challenges affecting drinking water infrastructure
Researchers investigating the critical challenges affecting drinking water infrastructure will explore the interactions of biofilms, pipe materials, disinfectants and corrosion-control additives to mitigate corrosion and improve public health outcomes in the future.
Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2026 announced
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2026 have been announced. These awards celebrate the brightest minds in the field and promote the research, group, projects, products and individuals who continue to help shape the future of applied microbiology.