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
Plastic texturing kills viruses when they land
Researchers have developed a thin plastic film that tears apart viruses on contact, offering a promising new way to keep high touch surfaces such as smartphones and hospital equipment from spreading disease.
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NewsScientists probe how neurons sense bacteria in the gut
Neural interaction with bacteria, e.g. in the gut microbiome, has important effects on brains of animals from worms to people. A new study investigates how neurons sense bacteria by revealing, in nematodes, the bacterial signals that a key neuron detects.
NewsEngineered dual-bacterial sensors turn chemical signals into electricity
Most bacterial information transmission is done via electricity. While electricity-emitting bacteria exist, manipulating them into useful sensors has been quite challenging. Researchers recently developed a flexible bioelectrical sensor system called electroactive co-culture sensing system.
NewsSleep deprivation disrupts gut microbiota, worsening colorectal cancer outcomes
Researchers have found that the gut microbiota drives changes to the immune system caused by chronic sleep loss. These changes promote cancer progression, disrupt circadian rhythm and weaken the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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News
Cyanobacteria surprise scientists with evolutionary shift
Researchers report a surprising new discovery—a system thought to separate DNA has developed to sculpt the shape of the cell in cyanobacteria instead. The results shed light on how protein systems evolve and how multicellularity emerged in this type of ecologically essential bacteria.
NewsHIV treatment reduces accelerated biological ageing by nearly four years, landmark study shows
A major study presented at ESCMID Global 2026 has found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces accelerated biological ageing in people with HIV (PWH) by nearly four years, a finding that could transform how clinicians monitor HIV treatment and long-term health outcomes.
NewsMeasles vaccine gaps persist among ER patients
A study has found critical gaps in knowledge, vaccination status, and acceptance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine among patients visiting emergency departments across the United States. It examines how misinformation and access barriers may contribute to declining vaccination rates.
NewsStudy finds warmer streams may weaken river food webs
Rising stream temperatures may be weakening the foundation of river food webs by altering how carbon moves through these watery ecosystems. When water temperatures increase, microbes and aquatic insects process fallen leaves, twigs and bark more rapidly, but a smaller fraction of that leaf litter supports their growth.
NewsLong-term cure rates for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis much better than expected
A new national cohort study from Latvia provides important insights into the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The study shows that long-term disease-free survival rates are significantly higher than previous standard indicators suggest.
NewsViruses found in Antarctic air, including some new to science
It may seem stark and lifeless, but the air around the remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia contains viruses, including some that are new to science. Using metagenomics, researchers discovered that South Georgia harbours a diverse and dynamic airborne viral community.
NewsNovel research reveals the active role that skin cells play in rabies infection
A new study provides direct evidence that keratinocytes can support viral replication and transmit the rabies virus to neurons. The investigators offer a mechanistic explanation for how superficial skin exposures from scratches or minor bites by dogs and bats can lead to neuroinvasion.
NewsAs syphilis cases rise, study links infection with higher risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious cardiovascular problems
Adults with later-stage syphilis are more likely to develop major cardiovascular problems – including stroke, heart attack or aortic aneurysm – than similar patients without the infection. The increased risk is primarily found in those whose infection progressed longer than a year.
NewsLuis Daniel Sansores España named recipient of the 2026 IADR Norton Ross Fellowship
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has announced Luis Daniel Sansores España, IADR Chilean Division, as the 2026 recipient of the IADR Norton Ross Fellowship.
NewsStudy reveals hidden damage in stony corals using 3D imaging and AI
Researchers investigating how disease affects coral structure turned to X-ray microcomputed tomography which generates detailed 3D reconstructions down to microscopic pores, which reveal internal skeletal features, including porosity, thickness and structural orientation, in a non-destructive way.
NewsTwo research projects to study immune responses to dengue and Zika viruses
Dr. James Earnest, an assistant professor at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, is leading two new research projects to examine how humans build an immune response to dengue and the Zika virus over time, in pursuit of creating better preventative measures.
NewsCould your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?
Living with friends may quietly be altering your gut bacteria - according to a new study. Research on a colony of tiny island birds reveals they share more of their gut bacteria with the birds they spend the most time with.
NewsLoss of microbiota alters the profile of cells that protect the intestinal wall
Experiments in mice and human tissue indicate that a reduction in bacteria living in the large intestine decreases mucus production and affects nutrient absorption, particularly in older adults.
NewsOregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits
In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives.
NewsClimate change may produce ‘fast-food’ phytoplankton
Scientists report that as sea surface temperatures rise over the next century, phytoplankton in polar regions will adapt to be less rich in proteins, heavier in carbohydrates, and lower in nutrients overall.
NewsLong COVID associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease
People with long COVID are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. Women with long COVID had just over twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared with women without long COVID. Men had approximately a third higher risk.
NewsA study links armed conflict in Colombia with higher tuberculosis cases and mortality
Areas with the highest intensity of conflict between 2008 and 2019 recorded a higher disease burden, highlighting the need for control strategies tailored to each territory.
NewsViruses ‘eavesdrop’ on each other – but it can backfire
Viruses can “eavesdrop” on each other using chemical signals – but it can backfire for the eavesdropper, new research shows. Scientists studied chemical communication by phages, viruses that infect bacteria.
NewsThesis confirms algae have strong wound-healing, skin-protective, and immune-supporting properties
New research demonstrates that polysaccharides extracted from various seaweeds and freshwater cyanobacteria possess remarkable bioactive properties and can accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and protect skin cells from UV-induced damage.