Young Innovators & Early Career Research
Early career research is crucial for science, and in delivering applied microbiology to the world. This page is focused on showcasing innovations and research from early career researchers across the globe and provides a hub for the latest news, opinions, careers advice and research for early career scientists. Discover how interdisciplinary colleagues from around the world are making advancements in, and through, applied microbiology.
News
New study finds concerning sea star response to an algal neurotoxin
Researchers found potentially concerning concentrations of the neurotoxin domoic acid in sea stars even in the absence of the algal blooms that are thought to drive DA outbreaks.
Read story
NewsNew sepsis diagnostic could reduce critical time to save patients
A new diagnostic method would confirm sepsis infections earlier, cutting critical hours in the “race against time” to save patients’ lives. The process uses a centrifuge to separate bacteria from blood cells, and automatic microscopy for detection.
NewsPioneering raspberry genome editing technique could be the future of fruit and farming
Researchers have published a new method to edit the DNA of raspberries, with the goal of creating more sustainable raspberry production and less food waste. Protoplasts were gene edited with CRISPR-Cas9, which can be programmed to target any region of the genome.
NewsWelsh mine microbes mapped to help heat homes
Welsh scientists have mapped the hidden microbes thriving in south Wales’s abandoned coal mines, helping to overcome obstacles to using mine water to heat Britain’s homes.
More Early Career Research
News
Next-generation ‘molecular scissors’ may offer hope for chronic hepatitis B sufferers
Researchers have developed engineered precision ’molecular scissors’ that can permanently disable the genetic blueprint of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The approach directly targets covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stubborn viral reservoir.
NewsAncient viruses in human genomes offer new avenue for stopping cancers, autoimmune diseases, and more
Researchers have revealed the first three-dimensional structure of a protein from an ancient human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) found within the human genome.
NewsResearchers uncover sensory abilities of bacteria in the gut
An international team has shown that commensal bacteria can perceive and respond to diverse chemical stimuli in their environment. They focused on Clostridia, motile bacteria that play an important role in gut health.
NewsGlobal Virus Network announces 2025 Rising Star Mentorship Program Awardees
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has announced the five distinguished recipients of its 2025 Rising Star Mentorship Program. The program is designed to support early-career virologists poised to become the next generation of global leaders in pandemic preparedness and infectious disease research.
NewsResearchers create faster way to trace how diseases spread indoors
Researchers have developed a new method of monitoring and tracking how disease-causing particles, or pathogens, spread from one place to another. The tool could help contain future outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19.
NewsScientists identify three potent human antibodies against mpox, paving the way for new protective therapies
Researchers have discovered three powerful monoclonal antibodies from a person who had previously been infected with mpox (formerly known as monkeypox).
NewsScientists discover how cells use a secret weapon to fight off some pathogens
New research shows that mitochondria detect invading pathogen Toxoplasma gondii and ramp up competition for vitamin B9, depriving it of the nourishment it needs to grow. A researcher noticed that the amount of mitochondrial DNA in a mitochondrion increased during infection.
NewsCommon cold may protect against COVID-19 according to researchers
A new study has found that recent infection with the common cold — often caused by rhinoviruses — may offer temporary protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
NewsBacteria strains infecting cattle and humans in US are highly similar
Salmonella Dublin, a type of bacteria that primarily infects cattle but some strains also can adapt to infect humans, is increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics, making it a growing public health threat.
NewsGut bacteria can reveal colorectal cancer
Researchers identified all human gut bacteria to a level of detail that uncovers the physiological importance of the different microbial subgroups. This inventory was then used to detect the presence of colorectal cancer according to the bacteria present in simple stool samples.
NewsNew AI tool reveals how drugs kill tuberculosis
A new study offers a powerful AI-assisted method for uncovering exactly how TB drugs kill the bacteria, opening the door to smarter treatment combinations that could work faster.
NewsStudy reveals the microbial battlegrounds within estuaries - and the part played by microplastics
Estuaries are known hotspots for biodiversity and are turbulent mixing zones where freshwater and seawater microbes confront one another. Source: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of the Baltic Sea ...
NewsScientists hack microbes to identify environmental sources of methane
A new paper reveals how the activity of one of the main microbial enzymes involved in producing methane affects the isotope composition used as a fingerprint of various environmental sources.
NewsResearchers use generative AI to design compounds that can kill drug-resistant bacteria
With help from artificial intelligence, researchers have designed novel antibiotics that can combat two hard-to-treat infections: drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
NewsFermentation method transforms unripe fruits into specialty coffees
Normally discarded, green beans from the Arara cultivar were subjected to airless fermentation and produced high-quality beverages in blind tests. Researchers see potential for the product to be valued in domestic and foreign markets.
News‘Controlled evolution’ dramatically boosts pDNA production for biomedical manufacturing
Researchers have controlled the evolution of E. coli bacteria in the lab in order to dramatically increase the amount of plasmid DNA (pDNA) these modified bacteria produce. pDNA is an essential – and expensive – ingredient in many gene therapies.
NewsLignin is effective against viruses and bacteria
Lignin, a polyphenol, has antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria. An by-product from wood industry, lignin has potential as promising green alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents for coating agents, packaging material, or surface disinfectants.
NewsBee and frog proteins: nature’s double defense against farm superbugs
A new study reveals that combining natural antimicrobial peptides can significantly slow the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. Using two peptides together prevents harmful bacteria from mutating as quickly, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
NewsSeventy-year-old Parkinson’s drug shows promise against tuberculosis
A medication developed in the 1950s to treat Parkinson’s disease may offer a powerful new tool in the fight against tuberculosis. The study found that benztropine can dramatically reduce levels of TB-causing bacteria by boosting the body’s natural immune response.