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
Rock-eating fungi flourish deep below our feet
A new study is believed to be the first time fungal abundance has been successfully quantified in a deep subsurface site. It identified 689 unique species of fungi, including 13 species that have not been described before, in water samples drawn from gas well sites.
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NewsTrees and microbes team up to improve nitrogen nutrient processes in future CO2 conditions
Researchers studying how a 180-year-old oak woodland responded after exposure to the CO₂ levels expected in the future discover that microbes “mine” soil nutrients, supplying 30% more available nitrogen to help trees sustain carbon capture.
NewsCaterpillar that attacks soybeans and cotton harbors fungi that can degrade polystyrene
A moth caterpillar identified by the agribusiness sector as one of the most destructive pests of soybean, cotton, and corn crops may harbor fungi and bacteria in its gut that can degrade expanded polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam.
NewsStudy shows seawater may offer early clues to changing reef health
Researchers have shown that the water surrounding coral reefs contains chemical and microbial signals that could reveal changes in ecosystem health long before those changes are visible.
More Early Career Research
News
Study reveals dengue virus can infect immune cells meant to fight disease
Researchers have discovered that dengue virus can infect and replicate inside memory B cells, immune cells traditionally understood to help protect the body from infection. It’s a previously unrecognized way the virus may evade immune defenses.
NewsNew drug could contribute to stopping measles outbreaks
A new oral antiviral drug candidate administered either before or after direct contact or airborne exposure to canine distemper virus, which causes measles-like disease in ferrets, blocks transmission of the virus and reduces clinical symptoms.
NewsRecycling food waste would bring huge benefits, but microplastics a challenge
A first nationwide look shows diversion of U.S. food waste from landfills could reduce related climate impacts by 89% and nutrient pollution by 50%, researchers say.
NewsPrebiotic sodas typically contain as much sugar as fiber
Prebiotic sodas have become more popular in recent years. According to a new analysis, however, many of these beverages contain relatively little prebiotic fiber content and more sugar than marketing claims might imply.
CareersMember Q&A: Tanja’s pathway to policy-oriented papers
Head of Bioresources Unit of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology Tanja Kostić, PhD, reveals how AMI membership has supported her professional development and career journey.
NewsResearchers develop automated system to accelerate outbreak detection and disease surveillance
Biomedical engineers have developed a fully automated workflow that simplifies and accelerates the preparation of bacterial samples for genetic sequencing. The method streamlines a critical bottleneck in the genetic sequencing process.
CareersQ&A: Meet Letters in Applied Microbiology Junior Reviewer Rabiath Féichokpè Raïssa Adigoun
We caught up with Dr. Rabiath Féichokpè Raïssa Adigoun, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin who is one of the newest Junior Reviewers with Letters in Applied Microbiology.
NewsEven invertebrates can specifically distinguish between bacteria
Researchers have found that the immune system of a sea anemone is capable of selectively distinguishing between different microorganisms and thus protecting beneficial over harmful bacteria – an ability that has only been attributed to vertebrates to date.
NewsWhen it comes to brain health, is microbiome science missing much of the world?
For more than two decades, scientists have uncovered remarkable links between the trillions of microbes living in our gut and the health of our brains. What if much of this science is based on studying only a narrow slice of global diversity?
NewsResearchers to tackle overlooked tropical disease
Two researchers are teaming up to build foundational knowledge concerning leishmaniasis, a common, but neglected protozoan parasitic disease. The project combines research into the cell biology of membrane repair with parasitology knowledge.
NewsHow an influx of salt may affect microbial ecosystems
Scientists find that as sea levels rise and saltwater seeps into freshwater, stressed aquatic populations may retain overall growth even as diversity declines.
NewsNovel pathway suggests gut microbiome could be harnessed to lower blood pressure
The gut microbiome could potentially be harnessed to help lower blood pressure, according to a new study that identifies a previously unknown gut microbiota-bile acid signaling pathway targeting hypertension.
NewsFirst-of-its-kind computer model of bacterial biofilms could support antibiotic resistance research
Faster and more effective ways to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be on the cards thanks to a first-of-its-kind 3D computer model which shows how the bacterium grows and reshapes its protective layer and spreads to new surfaces.
NewsThe family tree of viruses just grew – and it paves the way for a new approach to agricultural research
Researchers have discovered that a group of viruses known to infect an agriculturally important plant pathogen has remained genetically stable for an astonishing four decades. The work also led to the classification and naming of the group of phages.
NewsHepatitis E viruses mutate early during infection
In order to better understand which changes occur during the initial weeks of Hepatitis E infection, researchers specifically focused on this early phase.
NewsAMI named as finalist in 2026 Memcom Excellence Awards
Applied Microbiology International is celebrating after being shortlisted in the 2026 Memcom Excellence Awards. The Letters in Applied Microbiology Early Career Academic Editor Training Programme made the finalists in the “Best Education Initiative” category.
NewsResearch team brings the era of microbial cell factories one step closer
A research team analyzed the key bottlenecks limiting the commercialization of biomanufacturing, and proposed an AI-based roadmap for industrialization.
NewsGut bacteria boost immune system and help send Vitamin A to T cells
Scientists have discovered that gut bacteria help regulate the development of the body’s immune system by directing the movement of vitamin A through a previously unrecognized cellular network.
NewsGut microbiota can predict risk of type 2 diabetes years before it develops
The presence of certain bacteria in the gut microbiota, and fluctuations in a person’s metabolism, can be seen in people who go on to develop type 2 diabetes years later, paving the way for identifying people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes at an early stage.