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
Is your gut microbiome a calorie ‘super harvester’?
A little-known microbe makes methane in your gut — and may help you get more calories from food, according to a new study. Researchers found that people whose gut microbiomes produce a lot of methane are especially good at unlocking extra energy from a high-fiber diet.
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NewsSARS-CoV-2 protein found to spread between cells, triggering immune attack on healthy cells
A new study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein can spread from infected to uninfected cells, triggering an immune response that mistakenly targets healthy cells.
NewsNature’s toolkit: Scientists breed mushrooms to build versatile natural substitutes for commonly used materials
Scientists have shown that natural genetic variations in a common species of mushroom can be used to create new strains capable of making customized, biodegradable replacements for fabric, plastic, packaging and other environmentally harmful materials.
NewsEndangered mountain caribou possess unique gut microbiome that may be important for recovery efforts
Endangered mountain caribou in British Columbia possess a unique gut microbiome in late winter when they feed on tree lichens, a finding that could guide caribou recovery efforts, according to a new study.
More Early Career Research
News
Scientists discover 230 new giant viruses that shape ocean life and health
Using high-performance computing methods, researchers have identified 230 novel giant viruses in publicly available marine metagenomic datasets and characterized their functions.
NewsResearch identifies new trigger accelerating antibiotic resistance
A new study shows that ciprofloxacin, a staple treatment for urinary tract infections, throws Escherichia coli (E. coli) into an energy crisis that saves many cells from death and speeds the evolution of full‑blown resistance.
NewsBiologists target lifecycle of deadly parasite
Researchers are exploring ways to interrupt the lifecycle of the parasite behind Chagas disease, offering hope of developing a cure.
NewsResearchers develop dissolvable battery using probiotics
A new paper shows the potential of using probiotics — live microorganisms that offer health benefits when ingested but are otherwise harmless.
NewsResearchers pioneer nanoparticle approach to fight poultry disease
Researchers have demonstrated that a novel protein-based nanoparticle can make mRNA vaccines more effective to tackle a troublesome pathogen in chickens.
NewsFecal transplants: Promising treatment or potential health risk?
New research shows that transplanting microbes from only one section of the digestive tract can have long-lasting, unintended consequences.
NewsApplied Microbiology International launches drive to recruit new Editors
Applied Microbiology International has just launched a recruitment drive for editors for two of its most prestigious scientiific journals, the Journal of Applied Microbiology and Letters in Applied Microbiology.
NewsNanoparticle smart spray helps crops block infection before it starts
As climate change fuels the spread of plant diseases worldwide, a new nanoparticle smart spray could help crops defend themselves by blocking harmful bacteria from entering through tiny pores in their leaves.
News‘What’s wrong with my lawn?’ Research points toward possible answer
A new article provides critical knowledge about large patch, a disease that can compromise the health, aesthetics and usability of turfgrass. It provides comprehensive information covering the disease’s pathology, progression and management.
NewsFungal resistance in wheat: preserving biodiversity for food security
Researchers have found traditional wheat varieties from Asia that harbor several genes that confer resistance against yellow rust. They may serve as a durable source of yellow rust resistance in commercial varieties in the future.
NewsEarly career scientists gear up for LAM ECS Symposium next week
More than 100 delegates have now signed up for the Letters in Applied Microbiology Early Career Scientists Symposium 2025, a one-day event which is taking place in Liverpool on June 12.
NewsHeatwaves greatly influence parasite burden; likely spread of disease
New research implies that heatwaves have a major influence on the spread of many diseases – and that many existing predictive models have overlooked this complexity. Differences in heatwaves can increase disease burden by up to 13 times in an animal model.
NewsCannabis extracts show remarkable effectiveness against fungal pathogens
Two cannabis-derived compounds have shown remarkable effectiveness against fungal pathogens in laboratory tests, according to new research.
NewsLarge-scale immunity profiling grants insights into flu virus evolution
A new study has shown that person-to-person variation in antibody immunity plays a key role in shaping which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a population.
NewsStudent discovers long-awaited mystery fungus sought by LSD’s inventor
A student has found a long sought-after fungus that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD, which is used to treat conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction.
NewsNew diagnostic tool uses bioluminescence to detect viruses
Researchers are shining a powerful new light into the viral darkness with the development of Luminescence CAscade-based Sensor (LUCAS), a rapid, portable, highly-sensitive diagnostic tool for processing complex biological samples.
NewsResearchers engineer a herpes virus to turn on T cells for immunotherapy
Researchers have identified herpes virus saimiri, which infects the T cells of squirrel monkeys, as a source of proteins that activate pathways in T cells that are needed to promote T cell survival - a promising tool in the fight against cancer.
NewsYeast produces human DNase1 for the first time
The protein DNase1 is used to treat cystic fibrosis but it takes considerable effort and cost to produce it in immortalized hamster cells. Researchers have now produced it in yeast cells for the first time.
NewsZika virus uses cells’ ‘self-care’ system to turn against host
A new study reveals the biological secret to the Zika virus’s infectious success: Zika uses host cells’ own ‘self-care’ system of clearing away useless molecules to suppress the host proteins that the virus has employed to get into those cells in the first place.