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.
News
AMAST Network launches to battle AMR in the agrifood system
AMAST – the AMR in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary Network, has been created to harness perspectives from across agrifood stakeholders and prepare new ways to tackle these challenges.
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NewsStudy sheds light on patterns of Leptospirosis infection
Part of a multi-year project, the study seeks to identify demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors in a high transmission setting in Brazil.
NewsSmall animals acquire genes from bacteria that can produce antibiotics
A group of small, freshwater animals protect themselves from infections using antibiotic recipes “stolen” from bacteria, according to new research.
NewsMicrobes found to destroy certain ‘forever chemicals’
Scientists have discovered specific bacterial species that can destroy certain kinds of “forever chemicals,” a step further toward low-cost treatments of contaminated drinking water sources.
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Ancient microbes offer clues to how complex life evolved
A single-celled organism, a close relative of animals, harbors the remnants of ancient giant viruses woven into its own genetic code, shedding light on how complex organisms may have acquired some of their genes.
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FeaturesA community approach to clean water
The link between water and disease has been recognised for nearly two centuries. Despite this, the current global water situation remains dire. When a top-down approach will not work, community involvement is essential for effective water and sanitation projects.
NewsScientists prioritize 6 key pathogens for wastewater surveillance ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
French health authority researchers have identified priority pathogens that could be suitable for wastewater surveillance (WWS) during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place from 26 July to 11 August and 28 August to 8 September.
NewsHot spring microbe delivers nitrite-driven anaerobic ethane oxidation
A microbial culture capable of nitrite-driven anaerobic ethane oxidation was enriched through long-term operation of a nitrite-and-ethane-fed bioreactor, a new study shows.
NewsStudy reveals environmental impact of artificial sweeteners on water microbes
A new study demonstrates how sucralose affects the behavior of cyanobacteria — an aquatic photosynthetic bacteria — and diatoms, microscopic algae that account for more than 30% of the primary food production in the marine food chain.
NewsMicromachines are powered by tiny, active microorganisms
Researchers have created tiny, vehiclelike structures which can be maneuvered by microscopic algae. The algae are caught in baskets attached to the micromachines, which have been carefully designed to allow them enough room to continue swimming.
OpinionCholera: vaccination or better infrastructure?
Vibrio cholerae continues to challenge public health systems worldwide. Should we prioritize vaccination or infrastructure improvements?
NewsModel shows how plankton survive in a turbulent world
A researcher studying how particles move in turbulent fluids has created a model including various hydrodynamic factors to study how these particles handle and even utilise turbulence.
FeaturesChanging the culture of Legionella testing
Examining the history of laboratory culture for Legionella spp., and whether it’s time for change.
NewsResearchers discover genetic collaboration in harmful algae
A breakthrough study of freshwater harmful algal communities led by Dave Hambright, a Regents’ Professor of Biology at the University of Oklahoma, has discovered that complementary genes in bacteria and algae living in the same algal colonies coordinate the use and movement of nutrients within the colony. This research, funded ...
NewsMesocosms allow scientists to study the biodiversity of aquatic organisms
With a new facility funded by the Gips-Schüle Foundation, researchers at the University of Konstanz’s Limnological Institute can now study the development of biodiversity of bodies of water, such as Lake Constance.
NewsTiny predator owes its shape-shifting ability to origami-like cellular architecture
For a tiny hunter of the microbial world that relies on extending its neck up to 30 times its body length to release its deadly attack, intricate origami-like cellular geometry is key.
CareersCan you use a dishwasher instead of a steriliser?
Wondering whether you can sterilise baby bottles in a dishwasher — or use a dishwasher to safely clean bowls, spoons and other baby weaning equipment? AMI microbiologists provide expert advice to Helen Brown of Made for Mums on what you can and can’t do, depending on your baby’s age.
NewsResearchers to study links between Great Lakes algal blooms and human health
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher Hans W. Paerl will join researchers at the University of Michigan for a $6.5 million, five-year federal grant to host a center for studying links between climate change, harmful algal blooms and human health.
NewsU-M lands $6.5 million center to study links between Great Lakes algal blooms, human health
Great Lakes researchers at the University of Michigan have been awarded a $6.5 million, five-year federal grant to host a center for the study of links between climate change, harmful algal blooms and human health.
NewsCaffeine-degrading microbes could tackle coffee pollution - and produce valuable pharmaceutical compounds
Caffeine-degrading microbes could offer vital bioremediation services as well as upcycling coffee waste into valuable pharmaceutical compounds, a new review suggests.
NewsWorld famous Roman Baths could help scientists counter antibiotic resistance
The world-famous Roman Baths are home to a diverse range of microorganisms which could be critical in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a new study suggests.
NewsAntibiotic pollution disrupts the gut microbiome and blocks memory in aquatic snails
Antibiotics prevent snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome, a new study reveals, highlighting the damaging effects that human pollution could be having on aquatic wildlife.
NewsA big step for fish herpesvirus diagnostics and treatment
Researchers have established a highly permissive cell line GiCS derived from the skin tissue of gibel carp - along with a novel diagnostic method, this offers robust tools for the early detection and study of Carassius auratus herpesvirus (CaHV),
