Clean water
UNICEF estimates that over 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Micro-organisms are responsible for a host of waterborne diseases, but simultaneously offer solutions in purifying water and improving sanitation. Biofertilizers offer promising solutions for reduced nutrient runoff and wastewater recycling. As well as applying microbes to combat the problem, applied microbiologists can use their knowledge of health and disease to reduce cases of waterborne disease.
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Microplastics limit energy production in tiny freshwater species
Microplastic pollution reduces energy production in a microscopic creature found in freshwater worldwide, new research shows.
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NewsWater quality standards ‘should be reviewed to reflect AMR threat’
Water quality standards should be reviewed to reflect the threat from the spread of antibiotic resistance, a team of scientists has warned.
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Next epidemic could be spotted early in wastewater, say scientists
Researchers analysing wastewater say that routine monitoring at sewage treatment works could provide a powerful early warning system for the next flu or norovirus epidemic, alerting hospitals to prepare and providing public health agencies with vital health information.
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Bringing water and sanitation to the world
Find out what it takes to be the Global Director, Insights for a global nonprofit organisation helping to ensire access to safe drinking water worldwide.
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Study shines new light on ancient microbial dark matter
An international research team reveals a first in-depth look at Omnitrophota – one of the world’s oldest and tiniest bacteria.
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Review shows antimicrobial resistant Enterobacteriaceae are widespread in surface waters worldwide
Antimicrobial resistant Enterobacteriaceae are widespread in surface waters across the globe, according to a new study.
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Microbes can create a more peaceful world: Scientists call to action
Microorganisms should be ‘weaponised’ to stave off conflicts across the globe, according to a team of eminent microbiologists.
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Commercial water purification system may have caused Mycobacterium infection in 4 hospitalized patients
A study of four cardiac surgery patients in one hospital found that they developed Mycobacterium abscessus infections, a multidrug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria, potentially due to a commercial water purifier.
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Inkjet printer tech inspires faster and cheaper way to identify bacteria in fluids
An innovative adaptation of the technology in an old inkjet printer plus AI-assisted imaging leads to a faster, cheaper way to spot bacteria in blood, wastewater, and more.
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Quantum dots can eradicate bacteria from drinking water
A simple new method of disinfecting drinking water is based on tiny biocompatible assemblies of atoms, known as quantum dots, made of silver sulphide with caps made of a silver-binding peptide.
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E coli-based water monitoring technology homes in on heavy metal contamination
Researchers have created an E coli-based water monitoring technology that uses the bacterium as a live sensor to detect heavy metal contamination in water.
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New sampling tech will help bioterrorism responders to trace anthrax contamination
New sampling technologies developed for environmental sampling can be adapted for use in the event of a bioterrorism attack, allowing responders to rapidly trace aquatic anthrax contamination in the field.
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Diagnostic technique IDs five key AMR markers in water samples in less than an hour
A new testing method can detect five key antimicrobial resistance markers in water samples in less than an hour.
