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.
News
Two new species of oil-forming yeast discovered
A research group has discovered two new species of oil-forming yeast in the soil of Shiga Prefecture in Japan. Their study also examines the relationship between the prefecture’s diverse climate and microbial ecology.
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NewsUnderstanding bacterial motors may lead to more efficient nanomachine motors
Scientists have identified the FliG molecule in the flagellar layer, the ‘motor’ of bacteria, and revealed its role in the organism, potentially suggesting ways in which future engineers could build nanomachines with full control over their movements.
NewsNICER than CRISPR: new gene editor reduces unintended mutations
Researchers led by Osaka University develop a new gene modification technique known as NICER that significantly reduces off-target mutations in DNA.
NewsNew enzyme reduces the carbon footprint of methane by converting it into methanol
A team led by Professor Osami Shoji at Nagoya University in Japan has developed a technology to convert methane, the principal component of natural gas, into methanol at room temperature in water.
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News
E coli bacteria engineered to generate electricity from wastewater
Scientists have reported a groundbreaking achievement in bioelectronics, advancing the capabilities of common E. coli bacteria to generate electricity.
Genetic tools probe minuscule bacteria that live on surface of larger bacteria
Scientists have elucidated genes needed for the unusual lifestyle of miniscule bacteria that live on the surface of larger bacteria.
Lignocellulose bio-refinery can co-utilize xylose and glucose in yeast
Scientists have developed a lignocellulose bio-refinery platform for value-added chemical overproduction in yeast.
New insight into how bacteria surf cargo through the cell before division
Researchers have found some bacteria ship cellular cargo by ‘surfing’ along proteins called ParA/MinD ATPases.
Research team develop nano-sized force sensor and improve high-precision microscopy
In many cases, cells are very active in their movement and serve as power generators. The ability of cells to produce physical forces is one of the basic functions of the body. When running, for example, the forces generated in the cells cause the muscles to contract and the breath ...
Racial and ethnic differences in gut microbiome emerge at 3 months old
Gut microbiome variation associated with race and ethnicity arises after three months of age and persists through childhood, according to a new study.
New HIV drug formulation could improve treatment outcomes for children worldwide
Researchers have confirmed the dosing, safety and effectiveness of a drug formulation designed for treating children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Key gene for resistance to HIV replication found in people of African ancestry
Scientists have identified a novel region in the genome that is only variable in populations of African ancestries and provided evidence that the gene CHD1L acts to limit HIV replication in a subset of white blood cells.
Researchers create total synthesis of HIV replication inhibitor
Scientists appear to have discovered a way to produce a true structure of the rare but naturally-occurring anti-HIV compound Lancilactone C from start to finish.
Imaging shows how solar-powered microbes turn CO2 into bioplastic
Scientists have developed a multimodal platform to image microbe-semiconductor biohybrids that merge the biosynthetic power of living systems with the ability of semiconductors to harvest light.
Scientists develop new solid-state storage method for biological materials
Scientists have developed a novel method for storing biological materials such as RNA and proteins in a solid-state, physically resembling a pill or a tablet, which dissolves in water for on-demand use.
Menstrual cups can help prevent infection and boost vaginal health
Teenage girls who were given menstrual cups were less likely to acquire certain kinds of vaginal infections and were more likely to have a healthy vaginal microbiome, a study has found.
Bioengineered yeast devouring agricultural waste could close carbon circle
Researchers report making modified yeast that can feed on a wider range of materials, many of which can be derived from agricultural by-products that we don’t use known as waste biomass.
‘Green’ jobs and roles in emerging STEM industries are not accessible to all, says AMI-sponsored report
A new report looking at the distribution of STEM skills across the UK has found that roles in new and emerging STEM industries are disproportionately concentrated in London and the South East.
Electrons and microbes are key to bio-based nylon process
Researchers have developed a process that can produce adipic acid, one of two building blocks of nylon, from phenol through electrochemical synthesis and the use of microorganisms.
COVID-19 jab reduced disease disparities between low- and high-income communities
COVID-19 vaccination helped reduce disparities in disease incidence between low- and high-income communities, according to a new analysis led by Cedars-Sinai investigators.
Alarming antibiotic resistance discovered in war-torn Ukraine
Microbiologists investigating bacterial resistance among the war-wounded Ukrainian patients treated in hospitals have warned that the entire European region is under threat after finding that many were affected by bacteria that exhibited an extremely high level of antibiotic resistance.
Nearly half of TB cases in prisons worldwide go undetected
In the first global assessment of tuberculosis among incarcerated people, a new study found consistently high TB case rates and low case detection in prisons.
Vaccine will protect farmed crocodiles from West Nile virus
A University of Queensland developed vaccine will protect farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus (WNV), providing economic and biodiversity benefits to northern Australia.
