Economic Equality
Across the globe there are huge disparities in access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and economic resources, with the UN estimating over 98 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. It is vital for microbial research to identify those areas which actively maintain cycles of poverty and disparity. In recognising the interconnected nature of human financial systems and environmental health, microbial research can be a leader in working toward Economic Equality.
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Scientists develop rapid and scalable platform for in planta directed evolution
Researchers have developed a new system that enables rapid and scalable directed evolution of diverse genes directly in plant cells. To address the challenge of slow cell division rate in plants, the researchers harnessed geminiviruses.
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NewsCould a fungus provide a blueprint for next-gen hydrogels?
New research finds one fungal species, Marquandomyces marquandii, shows promise as a potential building block for new biomedical materials. It can grow into hydrogels, materials that hold lots of water and mimic the softness and flexibility of human tissues.
NewsEngineers use bacterial nanowires to create first artificial neurons that could directly communicate with living cells
Engineers have created an artificial neuron with electrical functions that closely mirror those of biological ones. Using protein nanowires synthesized from electricity-generating bacteria, the discovery could herald immensely efficient computers built on biological principles.
NewsBalance is key: Strategies to boost protein production from engineered cells
New research demonstrates how to engineer ‘cell factories’ that last longer and produce more chemicals, without needing antibiotics or complex engineering methods, paving the way for sustainable biotech that lasts.
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Caldic and AmphiStar join forces to transform personal care market in Europe with upcycled microbial biosurfactants
Global distributor Caldic and Belgian biotech innovator AmphiStar have announced an exclusive partnership to distribute and promote AmphiStar’s 100% upcycled microbial biosurfactants for personal care applications across Europe.
New one-hour, low-cost HPV test could transform cervical cancer screening in Africa and beyond
A team of researchers has developed a simple, affordable human papillomavirus (HPV) test that delivers results in less than an hour with no specialized laboratory required.
Global Virus Network launches multi-country mpox diagnostic evaluation to close global preparedness gaps
The Global Virus Network has initiated one of the first coordinated, multi-country evaluations of rapid point-of-care mpox diagnostics, a critical step to prevent resurgence and ensure the world is better prepared for future epidemics.
New single-dose, temperature-stable rabies vaccines could expand global access
Researchers have discovered a new way to make human rabies vaccines that could greatly expand access to immunization across the globe. The new method creates shots that are temperature-stable—meaning they don’t need to be stored at cold temperatures.
Gut bacteria linked to how our genes switch on and off, research finds
The trillions of microbes that live in the human gut may play a bigger role in health than previously thought, according to a review highlighting how the gut microbiome can affect epigenetics, the process that turns genes on or off without changing the DNA itself.
Biohybrids: Pioneering sustainable chemical synthesis at the energy-environment frontier
A review highlights ‘biohybrid’ synthesis systems—an innovative technology integrating living cells with advanced materials—to unlock clean production of chemicals for a greener future.
Magic mushrooms invent active compound twice
A study shows that fungi have developed the ability to produce psilocybin at least twice independently of each other. While Psilocybe species use a known enzyme toolkit for this purpose, fiber cap mushrooms employ a different biochemical arsenal – and yet arrive at the same molecule.
Steel sludge transformed into powerful water cleaner for antibiotic pollution
Researchers have developed an innovative way to turn steel industry waste into a low-cost material that can clean antibiotics out of water, offering a promising solution to one of today’s growing environmental challenges.
Scientists discover powerful new antibiotic class to tackle deadly superbugs
Scientists have discovered Novltex, a new class of antibiotics with potent activity against some of the world’s most dangerous multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. It targets lipid II — an essential building block of bacterial cell walls that does not mutate.
New genome editing method inspired by bacteria’s defense strategies
Researchers have developed a new method for precisely editing DNA. Their aim was to make genetic changes in bacteria, plants, and human cells even more accurate and gentle.
Magnetic fields improve Monascus pigments and inhibit citrinin yield via interfering with the iron metabolism
A research team has reported magnetic fields intensities that could improve the yield of Monascus purpureus fermented products while inhibiting citrinin production without adversely affecting M. purpureus growth.
Herbs hit the sweet spot to extend shelf life of popular global drink
A team of food scientists has discovered a natural way to significantly extend the shelf life of sugarcane juice. By adding microwave-dried extracts of mint and coriander to the juice in the production process, its shelf life can be extended from three days up to 14 days.
Europe’s only conference for minoritised life scientists heads to Edinburgh in 2026
Europe’s only conference for minoritised life scientists is heading to Scotland for spring 2026. The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF) will be held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from March 23 to 26.
Molecular Sustainable Solutions receives investment from BeAble Capital to boost disinfection and sterilization methods
Molecular Sustainable Solutions, a spin-off from the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló (UJI), secures €186,000 investment from BeAble Capital, a leading Science Equity fund specializing in disruptive scientific technologies.
Living cement: scientists turn bacteria-infused cement into energy-storing supercapacitors
By integrating electricity-generating microbes into cement, researchers have created a living supercapacitor that can store electricity and regenerate its capacity. The technology could pave the way for energy-autonomous buildings and infrastructure.
Can a healthy gut microbiome help prevent childhood stunting?
Researchers find gut microbiome turnover in children is linked to poor growth outcomes, pointing to microbiome-based diagnostics for malnutrition.
Giving food waste fermentation a ‘jolt’ increases chemical production
Adding an electrical jolt to fermentation of industrial food waste speeds up the process and increases the yield of platform chemicals that are valuable components in a wide range of products, new research shows.
Peanut shell biochar composite shows promise for removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from aquaculture wastewater
Researchers have developed a novel, low-cost catalyst that efficiently removes antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from aquaculture wastewater, offering a potential new solution to one of today’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges.
Biodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels
The PET-alternative PDCA is biodegradable and has superior physical properties. A team of bioengineers has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound from glucose at unprecedented levels and without byproducts — and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future of bioengineering.