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
Engineers develop electrochemical sensors for cheap, disposable diagnostics
Electrodes coated with DNA could enable inexpensive tests with a long shelf-life, which could detect many diseases and be deployed in the doctor’s office or at home.
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NewsAntibiotics are failing in many countries in Africa, new study reveals
The largest retrospective study on resistance to antibiotics in Africa highlights the need for major investments to enhance laboratory capabilities and healthcare access.
NewsAlign announces new collaboration with ATCC to bring AI-ready microbial datasets to life
The Align Foundation has announced a collaboration with ATCC to create the world’s largest public, AI-ready microbial phenotyping dataset.
NewsGut microbiome composition and food insecurity linked to risk of cognitive impairment in adults
A new study has found a compelling link between the composition of the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment (RCI) in adults, underscoring the complex role that both biology and social determinants—such as food insecurity—play in brain health.
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News
Coveted lac pigment may have a fungal origin
The colourful pigment extracted from the lac insect may actually be produced by a symbiotic yeast-like organism living inside the insect, a new study has found. The yeast-like organism exclusively harbours genes coding for key ingredients in the pigment synthesis pathway.
Researchers deploy yeast platform to turn urine into high-value bio-implant material
Researchers have engineered a yeast platform that converts human urine from wastewater into hydroxyapatite, a high-value, biocompatible substance for use in dental and bone implants, restoration of archaeological artifacts and other applications.
Mushrooms could be the key to developing better materials
Researchers are studying the cell structure of fungi to learn how it determines their mechanical properties and what science can learn from that to create better materials. They analyzed their cell structures and tested them to calculate the stress loads they could handle.
International comparison reveals gender differences in antimicrobial resistance
A recent study analysed the DNA map of more than 14,000 gut metagenomes in a global dataset and found differences in antibiotic resistance between genders. In high-income countries, women had more antibiotic resistance genes than men.
Paper-based devices diagnose malaria in asymptomatic people
Devices made with cheap strips of paper have outperformed two other testing methods in detecting malaria infection in asymptomatic people in Ghana – a diagnostic advance that could accelerate efforts to eliminate the disease, researchers say.
Illuminated changes: Enhancing D-lactic acid output with UV irradiation
Researchers have developed a Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffii) yeast strain that can efficiently produce D-lactic acid, a raw material for pharmaceuticals and bioplastics, from methanol.
Launch of first-in-human clinical trial of next-generation rotavirus vaccine delivered via dissolvable microarray technology
Scientists have announced the first clinical trial of a novel rotavirus vaccine, CC24, delivered via dissolvable microarray technology, is now enrolling participants.
AFYREN begins new phase of industrial strategy as first plant AFYREN NEOXY achieves continuous production
Greentech company AFYREN offering industrial customers bio-based, low-carbon products through fermentation technology based on a circular model, announced its first plant has achieved continuous production, enabling acceleration of commercialization.
Geographic bias in virus naming: Lessons from coronavirus show it’s better to act early
A new study highlights the need to avoid geographically-based naming right from the outset of a pandemic. It analyzes the impact of the WHO’s introduction of the Covid nomenclature based on Greek letters - Alpha, Beta, Delta, etc.
Scholars take a new look at controversial Stateville prison malaria research 75 years ago
Medical ethicists are shining a light on a buried part of the malaria research conducted on inmates at Illinois’ Stateville Penitentiary 75 years ago.
Nature’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.
New platform can diagnose infectious disease immune protection using one drop of fingertip blood
Researchers have developed a compact diagnostic platform that can evaluate antibody protection against COVID-19 using only a single microliter of fingertip blood. It delivers a comprehensive immune profile in just 40 minutes.
Airborne disease detection made easier with new, low-cost device
A new, small, low-cost device, nicknamed ABLE, could make the collection and detection of airborne hazards much more efficient. ABLE has immediate applications in hospitals, where viruses, bacteria and nanoplastics can be detected directly from the air.
Antibiotics taken during pregnancy may reduce preterm births
A study of almost 1000 pregnant women in Zimbabwe found that a daily dose of a commonly used, safe and inexpensive antibiotic may have led to fewer babies being born early.
Researchers develop paper-based diagnostic tool for rapid, affordable infectious disease detection
A team of scientists has developed a breakthrough paper-based diagnostic device that can detect COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in under 10 minutes, without the need for sophisticated lab equipment or trained personnel.
DNA floating in the air tracks wildlife, viruses — even drugs
A new study reveals the power of DNA, vacuumed up from the air, which can track everything from elusive bobcats to illicit drugs. A simple air filter running for hours, days or weeks can pick up signs of nearly every species that grows or wanders nearby.
Multiple testing for infectious diseases among migrants key to cutting onward transmission
Routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants will benefit healthcare systems by identifying key infections earlier, a new study finds.
Portable HIV monitoring device shows promise for remote settings
A newly developed microfluidic biosensor promises to reshape how CD4+ T cells — key indicators of immune function in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients — are detected.
AMI makes The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the UK list - twice!
Applied Microbiology International is celebrating after making The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the UK list for the second year in a row.