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
AI finds hundreds of potential antibiotics in snake and spider venom
Researchers used a deep-learning system to sift through a database of more than 40 million venom encrypted peptides (VEPs). In a matter of hours, the algorithm flagged 386 compounds with the molecular hallmarks of next-generation antibiotics.
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NewsNighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults
A new study has determined that nighttime pistachio consumption affects gut bacteria in adults with prediabetes. The potential therapeutic implications of the findings may prove significant for people who are working to improve their metabolic health.
NewsResearchers engineer a microbial platform for efficient lutein production
The application of systems metabolic engineering strategies, and construction of an electron channeling system, has enabled the first gram-per-liter scale production of lutein from Corynebacterium glutamicum, providing a viable alternative to plant-derived lutein production.
NewsTheory for aerosol droplets from contaminated bubbles bursting gives insight into spread of pollution and infectious disease
Researchers have conducted a systematic study to investigate bubble bursting jets – aerosol particles sprayed when bubble surfaces rupture – when surface contaminants are present.
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News
New insights into malaria: Proteins in the blood can reveal the severity of the disease
Researchers have identified over 250 proteins that are strongly affected by malaria, which could help predict the severity of the disease and thus enable faster treatment for the most critical patients.
NewsNovel open-source diagnostic tool offers affordable, reliable pathogen detection for resource-limited settings
Researchers have developed an open-source reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay that is lyophilized for heat stability and uses non-proprietary components, making it an affordable tool for pathogen detection in diverse settings.
NewsScientist’s cat on the hunt helps to discover a second new virus
Pepper, the pet cat who made headlines last year for his role in the discovery of the first jeilongvirus found in the U.S., is at it again. This time, his hunting prowess contributed to the identification of a new strain of orthoreovirus.
NewsTiny chip speeds up antibody mapping for faster vaccine design
By analyzing just a drop of blood, this microchip gives researchers quicker-than-ever insight into how a person’s antibodies are interacting with a virus or other pathogen.
NewsHepatitis C treatment is not reaching some at-risk populations, studies show
Studies reveal that two vulnerable populations — children and recently pregnant women — face disparities in access to treatment for hepatitis C infection. Without treatment, they are at risk of long-term adverse health outcomes such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.
NewsElectrochemiluminescence boosts flexible displays in wearable devices
A new review details the design, preparation, and applications of electrochemiluminescence devices, offering the potential for the development of lightweight and intelligent wearable devices.
NewsGut microbes key to understanding how exercise boosts cancer immunity
A new study shows how exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome. These benefits are driven by a specific compound called formate, which is produced by gut bacteria in exercised mice.
NewsResearchers develop superstrong, eco-friendly materials from bacteria
Scientists have developed a scalable approach to engineer bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. Their biosynthesis technique aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, resulting in robust biopolymer sheets with exceptional mechanical properties.
NewsFrom COVID to cancer, new at-home ‘coffee-ring’ test spots disease with startling accuracy
A new, low-cost biosensing technology could make rapid at-home tests up to 100 times more sensitive to viruses like COVID-19. The diagnostic could expand rapid screening to other life-threatening conditions like prostate cancer and sepsis as well.
NewsStudy reveals negative consequences of trained immunity in the lungs
Exposure to a common fungal molecule can reprogram immune cells in the lungs, causing them to overreact to infection-like signals and worsen lung damage, according to new research.
NewsNew study suggests Florida has the potential for local Chagas disease transmission
Researchers in Florida have discovered local kissing bugs are harboring the parasite that can lead to Chagas disease, demonstrating that this rare, chronic disease has a secure foothold in the U.S. and warrants more preventative measures.
NewsAI used to create protein that kills E. coli
Scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate a ready-to-use biological protein that can kill antibiotic resistant bacteria like E. coli.
NewsCoral calcification benefits from human hormone injections
Researchers have identified how thyroxine, a human thyroid hormone, can positively influence the life-critical calcification in soft corals, and have developed a unique technique for injecting molecules into coral tissues.
NewsAlgae of polar origin may impact tropical ocean biogeochemistry and food webs
A single-celled algae genus may have a big impact on how the world’s chemical building blocks cycle between living things and the non-living environment. Polarella was thought to be restricted to polar cap regions, but turns out to be abundant in the tropical Pacific ocean.
CareersPetri dishes, phages, and public speaking - at the LAM ECS Research Symposium 2025
Rachael Barton and Luka Brajdić open up on their experiences of the Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Symposium 2025 at the University of Liverpool on June 12.
NewsT cells take aim at Chikungunya virus
A new study offers the first-ever map of which parts of Chikungunya virus trigger the strongest response from the body’s T cells, bringing researchers closer to developing Chikungunya vaccines or therapies that harness T cells to strike specific targets to halt infection.
NewsAdults who have survived childhood cancer are at increased risk of severe COVID-19
People who have survived cancer as children are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, even decades after their diagnosis. This is shown by a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
NewsHep E virus can live out entire life cycle in kidney cells
Scientists have succeeded in proving in cell culture that hepatitis E viruses can infect kidney cells and can multiply with their help. The entire replication cycle of the virus takes place in kidney cells in the same way as in liver cells, their study shows.
NewsStudy advances understanding of immune system’s crucial role in phage therapy
Scientists have assessed the effectiveness of phage therapy in treating pneumonia. What they discovered about the mechanisms behind phage therapy could inform treatments in clinical settings to help patients facing similarly stubborn infections.