Latest news
Andes volcanoes – the missing link between algae blooms, whales and climate millions of years ago
Record volcanic eruptions in the Andes could explain the mysterious death of dozens of whales about 5 to 8 million years ago, according to a study. A significant increase in volcanic activity in the Andes peaking between eight and four million years ago likely delivered a significant pulse of nutrients to the Southern Ocean.
The cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms
A study reveals that tissues such as the tonsils and adenoids can serve as hiding places for the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. The pathogen can persist in these tissues for long periods, be transmitted unexpectedly, and trigger new outbreaks of the disease.
Cyanobacteria surprise scientists with evolutionary shift
Researchers report a surprising new discovery—a system thought to separate DNA has developed to sculpt the shape of the cell in cyanobacteria instead. The results shed light on how protein systems evolve and how multicellularity emerged in this type of ecologically essential bacteria.
To thwart pathogens, researchers are giving beneficial microbes what they really want
Researchers have developed a new method that allows precise modification of any microbiome with prebiotics, helping beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens.
Improving oral care more than halves hospital-acquired pneumonia risk, major trial finds
A landmark trial presented at ESCMID Global 2026 shows that improving oral hygiene for hospital patients can reduce the risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by 60%.
Researchers uncover a ‘treasure trove’ of bioactive molecules in coral reefs
Researchers have found that coral reefs are home to a vast array of previously unknown bioactive metabolites — small biomolecules that have the biotechnological potential to provide the basis for new drugs, and a host of other products.
Andes volcanoes – the missing link between algae blooms, whales and climate millions of years ago
Record volcanic eruptions in the Andes could explain the mysterious death of dozens of whales about 5 to 8 million years ago, according to a study. A significant increase in volcanic activity in the Andes peaking between eight and four million years ago likely delivered a significant pulse of nutrients to the Southern Ocean.
The cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms
A study reveals that tissues such as the tonsils and adenoids can serve as hiding places for the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. The pathogen can persist in these tissues for long periods, be transmitted unexpectedly, and trigger new outbreaks of the disease.
Cyanobacteria surprise scientists with evolutionary shift
Researchers report a surprising new discovery—a system thought to separate DNA has developed to sculpt the shape of the cell in cyanobacteria instead. The results shed light on how protein systems evolve and how multicellularity emerged in this type of ecologically essential bacteria.
Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics signs agreement to develop anti-measles antibody treatment
The Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics has signed an option agreement with Saravir Biopharma Inc. for the company to develop human monoclonal antibodies isolated in the laboratory of James Crowe Jr., MD, for the treatment and prevention of measles.
Cleanroom specialist Total Clean Air appointed European partner for US-based biodecontamination firm, TOMI
UK-BASED cleanroom engineering company Total Clean Air (TCA), a UKAS ISO 17025-accredited cleanroom constructor, has been appointed European partner for US-based decontamination technology firm TOMI®Environmental Solutions.
EnteroBiotix announces completion of enrolment in Phase 2a Trial evaluating EBX-102-02 prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation
EnteroBiotix announced that the investigator-initiated Phase 2a MAST trial has completed its enrolment of 50 adult patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for defined haematological malignancies.
Color test ‘sniffs out’ dangerous staph strains fast
Researchers have developed a rapid colour-changing test that can distinguish between different strains of golden staph, including those likely to be virulent and antibiotic resistant.
Study reveals hidden damage in stony corals using 3D imaging and AI
Researchers investigating how disease affects coral structure turned to X-ray microcomputed tomography which generates detailed 3D reconstructions down to microscopic pores, which reveal internal skeletal features, including porosity, thickness and structural orientation, in a non-destructive way.
Nameko mucilage: An eco-friendly solution for microplastic pollution
Researchers use natural mucilage from nameko mushrooms for the removal of micro- and nano-plastics from water. The mucilage is rich in polysaccharides, particularly pectin—a naturally occurring plant-based compound—which is known for its particle-binding properties.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination target as Europe steps up action on cancer prevention
All EU/EEA countries now recommend HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and boys as part of their immunisation programmes, marking a major step forward in Europe’s’ cancer prevention efforts. Iceland, Portugal and Norway have reached the target of 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by the age of 15.
American microbiologist behind global water safety breakthrough wins 2026 Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize
Professor Joan Bray Rose has been recognised for pioneering Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) as a global approach for assessing pathogen risks in water. QMRA has been adopted into global drinking water standards and enabled safe water reuse.
Molecular biologist Li-Jun Ma wins 2026 Mahoney Life Sciences Prize
Li-Jun Ma has been chosen as this year’s winner of the Mahoney Life Sciences Prize for her work toward mitigating the effects of a fungal pathogen that is causing the functional extinction of the bananas most commonly found in U.S. supermarkets.