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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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.
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NewsAre probiotics worth the cost to prevent infection after a colon removal surgery?
A study found that taking an 8-strain probiotic daily may reduce the risk of pouchitis, a common inflammatory condition that occurs after colon removal surgery for ulcerative colitis, but the treatment may not be worth the cost depending on a patient’s likelihood of flare-ups.
NewsPretreatment methods deploying microbes bring second-gen biofuels from oilcane closer to commercialization
In collaboration with other Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) are developing industrially feasible techniques for second-generation biofuel production from oilcane, an oil-rich variety of sugarcane, to help meet our growing societal demand for fuels.
NewsResearch team on quest to engineer computing systems from living cells
A research team has received a $1.99 million grant to lead research on engineered bacterial consortia that could form the basis of biological computing systems. They aim to integrate microbial sensing and communication with electronic networks, paving the way for computing systems constructed from living cells instead of traditional silicon-based hardware.
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Broad-specificity enzyme targets glycans from across the kingdoms of life
Researchers have found a new enzyme that has a much broader specificity than the leading alternatives. This analysis resulted in the identification of the PNGaseL enzyme taken from Flavobacterium akiainvivens, which is a microbe isolated from decaying wood of a Hawai’ian plant.
Seroprevalence 36 months after a single-dose bivalent HPV vaccination among nine to fifteen-year-old girls
A single-dose bivalent HPV vaccine induces sustained immunity in Bangladeshi adolescent girls, with lower HPV16 seropositivity among older girls and those in higher grades, with higher HPV18 seropositivity linked to lower household income.
Global Virus Network announces 2025 Rising Star Mentorship Program Awardees
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has announced the five distinguished recipients of its 2025 Rising Star Mentorship Program. The program is designed to support early-career virologists poised to become the next generation of global leaders in pandemic preparedness and infectious disease research.
Global analysis reveals overlooked hotspots at risk for long COVID due to early disability burdens
An international team of researchers has conducted the most comprehensive global-to-local analysis to date on long COVID risk, using disability data from the height of the pandemic to identify vulnerable populations.
Metabolic modeling unlocks diversity of yeast for industrial biotechnology
Scientists uncovered how yeast adapts to different environments at a systems level through strain-specific metabolic modeling.
‘Controlled evolution’ dramatically boosts pDNA production for biomedical manufacturing
Researchers have controlled the evolution of E. coli bacteria in the lab in order to dramatically increase the amount of plasmid DNA (pDNA) these modified bacteria produce. pDNA is an essential – and expensive – ingredient in many gene therapies.
Broad COVID-19 vaccination makes economic sense, especially for older adults, study finds
Vaccinating every person over 65 would actually save the U.S. money, while vaccinating all younger adults would be a reasonable investment, according to a new study.
As school returns, so do infections & asthma emergencies. Where kids live can make it worse
A new study highlights how neighborhood conditions shape the seasonal surge of virus-triggered asthma emergencies. It found that children in under-resourced communities face sharply higher rates of asthma flare-ups tied to viral infections during the first weeks of school.
Fast, accurate, low-cost diagnostics - and no lab required
Researchers have developed a breakthrough diagnostic tool that could transform how quickly and reliably we detect illnesses like COVID-19, Ebola, AIDS or Lyme disease. The test uses just a single drop of blood, costs a couple of dollars and delivers results in only 15 minutes.
Study: Long COVID remains a substantial financial and medical burden
Individuals with long COVID-19 experienced worse financial and employment outcomes – lasting up to three years after their initial infection. Notably, vaccination against COVID-19 was associated with strikingly improved work and financial outcomes.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria spread from war-zone hospitals to other countries
After Russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of patients were transferred from Ukraine to other European countries. Researchers in Helsinki found that 8% of Ukrainian refugees had been hospitalised due to war injuries. Almost 80% of them carried multidrug resistant bacteria.
Ready for market: Yeast process boosts clean, cost-efficient chemical production of succinic acid
A re-engineered yeast strain that efficiently produces succinic acid has been developed, which allows this valuable chemical to be produced at a lower cost.
Bioscientist wins NSF CAREER Award to investigate bacterial toxins, expand inclusion in STEM
Marcos de Moraes has received support to study the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary roles of bacterial toxins known as deaminases, as well as an educational outreach effort aimed at making biosciences open to all, including differently abled persons.
New European toolkit launched by EU agencies to help eliminate viral hepatitis B and C in prisons
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have jointly produced a European toolkit for the elimination of viral hepatitis in prisons.
Research probes the gut microbiome and its metabolite short-chain fatty acids in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is framed as a systemic bone disease driven by estrogen withdrawal, but a new review positions gut dysbiosis and its fermentation products—short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—as equally influential regulators of skeletal fate.
Nanoparticles that self-assemble at room temperature could transform vaccine delivery
Researchers have engineered polymer-based nanoparticles that form with a simple temperature shift—no harsh chemicals, no specialized equipment, and no processing needed. They can self-assemble at room temperature and deliver RNA to living cells.
New imaging approach transforms study of bacterial biofilms
Scientists have reimagined the capabilities of atomic force microscopy, transforming it into a tool that captures large-scale biological architecture. This advance offers an unprecedented view of biofilm organization.
Smart wound monitor poised to improve chronic infection care
Researchers have developed a wearable wound monitoring device with integrated sensors that could reduce infection risks by minimising the need for frequent physical contact.
Statistical modeling can help tackle neglected tropical diseases among migrant populations
A study of migrants in Italy has shown how statistical modelling can help improve the identification of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) infections.