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
Low carbon dioxide levels improve microbial production of biodegradable plastic
In an innovative gas fermentation process, reducing concentration of carbon dioxide was found to significantly improve microbial production of the biodegradable plastic, poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. The study provides a promising strategy for sustainable carbon recycling and efficient CO2 utilization.
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NewsScientists receive DOW funding for fungal biotechnology research
Scientists have been awarded funding to develop new tools permitting high-throughput analysis of fungal genes. The grant focuses on species of Candida, which can contaminate and sometimes cause operational issues in DOW systems like aircraft fuel systems, vehicles, and electronics.
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.
NewsA bacterium capable of predicting the course of a disease
A research team made use of the bacterium’s natural capabilities without altering it genetically. Using plasma samples from patients with COVID-19, they were able to distinguish patients likely to develop a mild form of the disease from those at risk of progressing to a severe form.
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New study advances dry mRNA vaccine patch design
New research could help make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute. The study identified conditions that help protect the particles that carry mRNA in dry vaccine patches, offering practical guidance for future patch design.
AMI teams up with the International Symposium on Biopolymers to launch new themed collection on microbial polymers
The Journal of Applied Microbiology is joining forces with the International Symposium on Biopolymers to launch a new themed collection called ‘Microbial polymers for industrial and environmental applications’. Guest editors Tanja Narancic and Kevin O’Connor reveal why this is such a fascinating area of research.
Wild yeast discovery enables non-GM brewing of ornithine-enriched craft beer
Researchers have uncovered a naturally derived yeast mutation that boosts ornithine production while preserving brewing performance for value-added fermentation.
Scripps Research scientists awarded $2M to advance global disease surveillance
Two Gates Foundation grants will expand wastewater surveillance and AI-driven disease monitoring to support faster public health responses worldwide.
Breakthrough study could unlock key to more reliable truffle cultivation
A pioneering study has revealed that growing truffles depends not just on soil conditions, but on a complex underground ecosystem that the truffles may help to engineer themselves.
Diabetes worsens long COVID complications
In a study involving 870 participants, people with diabetes took longer to recover from the virus and experienced more severe cardiac complications, as well as greater physical and cognitive difficulties.
Global burden of viral skin diseases rises 36% since 1990: Children and elderly bear the brunt
Global analysis of viral skin diseases underscores the need for equitable policies: while high-income countries have made progress via vaccination and better healthcare, low-resource regions lag behind.
Cascading disaster: While U.S. HIV infections have fallen, they are rising among Latinos
From 2010 to 2022, new HIV infections in the United States declined 19% overall but among Latinos, they rose 12%. In 2023, new HIV diagnoses among Latinos jumped 8% in a single year — the largest increase of any racial or ethnic group in the country.
Share your story: Neurodivergent STEM professionals invited to take part in video project
Applied Microbiology International (AMI) is inviting researchers, students and professionals across the STEM community to take part in a new video series exploring the experiences of neurodivergent people working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Researcher wins $5.6M NIH Avant Garde Award to prevent HIV, Hepatitis C and overdose
An innovative project will use AI-powered “digital twins” to help public health agencies better prevent HIV, hepatitis C and overdose among people who use drugs.
Oropouche virus has already infected more than 5 million people in Brazil, study suggests
The recent Oropouche virus outbreak in 2023 has drawn attention in Brazil and other Latin American countries because of its scale and rapid spread. Researchers estimate that since 1960, the virus has infected approximately 9.4 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
New study shows near-complete reduction of cervical cancer deaths among HPV-vaccinated adolescents in England
A new study suggests the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine may be responsible for a near-complete protective effect against death from cervical cancer among women under 30 in England who received the vaccine between 12-18 years old.
Biopiracy in microbiology: Who owns nature’s resources?
A growing global debate over “biopiracy” is raising urgent questions for microbiologists, researchers, industry and policymakers alike — and Applied Microbiology International is calling on members to help shape the conversation.
Researchers produce biodegradable bioplastic from potato starch using a modified bacterium
A new study has produced a biodegradable bioplastic from unprocessed potato starch in a single 24-hour step, establishing that the bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a robust platform of great industrial interest for producing polyhydroxybutyrate from a low-cost agricultural by-product.
Pandemic may have reshaped England’s medication use
Medication dispensing patterns in England shifted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis of national primary care dispensing data. The use of some treatments recovered to or exceeded pre-pandemic levels, including medications for cardiovascular disease and diabetes; the use of others remained lower.
Fermentation science may offer new route to better lower-alcohol wine
In addition to finding ways to ferment grape juice without producing as much alcohol, one scientist is exploring novel yeasts and methods to overproduce aromas to compensate for their eventual loss when reducing alcohol through grape juice dilution.
First-in-human clinical trial shows promising results for new Lassa fever vaccine
Researchers have reported encouraging results from an early clinical trial that tested a new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies. The study found that the vaccine was safe and induced immune responses against both viruses. There are currently no vaccines against Lassa fever on the market.
Digital model guides cleaner biohydrogen production
A research team has developed an enzyme-aware digital model that explains why hydrogen-producing microbes often struggle to grow fast and generate hydrogen efficiently at the same time. The study reveals how limited enzyme resources shape the balance between cell growth, by-product formation, and hydrogen generation.
Food insecurity linked to gut microbiome changes in children
A new study shows that food insecurity may leave a measurable impact on the gut microbiome of children. Children in food-insecure households had different gut microbiome profiles, including higher levels of Sutterella, which has been linked to poor dietary quality and intestinal inflammation.