One health
Communicable diseases remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the numbers of individuals affected by disease between low-and-middle-income countries and those in developed nations. Microbes will play in important role in drug discovery: producing anticancer drugs and antimicrobials. Applying One Health principles, to understand the interaction of pathogens and the human host, development of diagnostics, treatments, and disease prevention, applied microbiologists can shape global health and wellbeing outcomes.
Careers
Q&A: Meet Letters in Applied Microbiology junior editor Daniel Jesuwenu Ajose
We caught up with Daniel Jesuwenu Ajose, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga in South Africa, who is one of the newest Junior Editors with Letters in Applied Microbiology
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NewsScientists map how HIV hijacks human cells—and how cells can fight back
Scientists have opened a new door to understanding HIV by creating the first comprehensive genetic roadmap of how the virus interacts with real human cells. They identified a multitude of hidden players in HIV infection, human proteins that either help the virus thrive or work to stop it.
NewsPlastic texturing kills viruses when they land
Researchers have developed a thin plastic film that tears apart viruses on contact, offering a promising new way to keep high touch surfaces such as smartphones and hospital equipment from spreading disease.
NewsSevere childhood malaria linked to cognitive impairment later in life
New findings suggest children who survive cases of cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia experience cognitive and academic impairment that persists into adolescence.
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Oral-gut axis points to salivary biomarkers for early gastric cancer detection
A recent study has identified distinct microbial “signatures” within the oral cavity and gut that serve as robust biomarkers for the early detection of gastric cancer (GC). Research shows how specific lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) migrate from the mouth to colonize the gastrointestinal tract.
NewsStudying two very different viruses helps to develop new strategies
When the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began, virologist Theodora Hatziioannou, in conjunction with Paul Bieniasz brought her HIV-honed skills and tools to this new global threat, which made it easier and faster for researchers to gain insights into the virus and test antibodies for potential therapeutic candidates in real time.
NewsScientists probe how neurons sense bacteria in the gut
Neural interaction with bacteria, e.g. in the gut microbiome, has important effects on brains of animals from worms to people. A new study investigates how neurons sense bacteria by revealing, in nematodes, the bacterial signals that a key neuron detects.
NewsWHO-recommended antibiotics cover only 1 in 4 neonatal sepsis infections in low- and middle-income countries
A major multi-country study has found that WHO-recommended first-line antibiotics for neonatal sepsis are likely to be effective in only one quarter of infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
NewsNew biosensor for detecting active tuberculosis
A research team is developing a sensor that paves the way for the rapid, selective and cost-effective detection of active tuberculosis. The device detects the presence of a protein secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
NewsGut bacteria predict skin cancer recurrence, but only when matched for ‘microbial fingerprint’
The specific mix of bacteria living in a person’s gut can predict the chances that melanoma will recur after surgery and immunotherapy, which helps immune cells target cancer cells, according to a new study.
NewsEngineered dual-bacterial sensors turn chemical signals into electricity
Most bacterial information transmission is done via electricity. While electricity-emitting bacteria exist, manipulating them into useful sensors has been quite challenging. Researchers recently developed a flexible bioelectrical sensor system called electroactive co-culture sensing system.
NewsSleep deprivation disrupts gut microbiota, worsening colorectal cancer outcomes
Researchers have found that the gut microbiota drives changes to the immune system caused by chronic sleep loss. These changes promote cancer progression, disrupt circadian rhythm and weaken the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
NewsAntibiotic resistance genes found in newborns within hours of birth, study shows
Antibiotic resistance genes can be present in newborns within the first hours of life. The study analysed meconium samples from 105 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within the first 72 hours of life between July 2024 and July 2025.
NewsThe cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms
A study reveals that tissues such as the tonsils and adenoids can serve as hiding places for the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. The pathogen can persist in these tissues for long periods, be transmitted unexpectedly, and trigger new outbreaks of the disease.
News To thwart pathogens, researchers are giving beneficial microbes what they really want
Researchers have developed a new method that allows precise modification of any microbiome with prebiotics, helping beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens.
NewsImproving oral care more than halves hospital-acquired pneumonia risk, major trial finds
A landmark trial presented at ESCMID Global 2026 shows that improving oral hygiene for hospital patients can reduce the risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by 60%.
NewsResearchers uncover a ‘treasure trove’ of bioactive molecules in coral reefs
Researchers have found that coral reefs are home to a vast array of previously unknown bioactive metabolites — small biomolecules that have the biotechnological potential to provide the basis for new drugs, and a host of other products.
NewsMaternal RSV vaccination cuts infant hospitalization risk by over 80%, major study finds
The largest real-world study of its kind shows that maternal vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reduces the risk of hospitalisation in young infants by over 80% when given at least two weeks before birth.
NewsThree European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination target as Europe steps up action on cancer prevention
All EU/EEA countries now recommend HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and boys as part of their immunisation programmes, marking a major step forward in Europe’s’ cancer prevention efforts. Iceland, Portugal and Norway have reached the target of 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by the age of 15.
NewsStandard-dose antibiotic the ‘preferred choice’ of treatment for uncomplicated acute sinusitis
A study of patients with acute sinusitis found no major differences in measured outcomes between adults who received standard amoxicillin and amoxicillin‑clavulanate. Patients treated with amoxicillin‑clavulanate were at slightly higher risk of contracting secondary infections.
NewsMeasles vaccine gaps persist among ER patients
A study has found critical gaps in knowledge, vaccination status, and acceptance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine among patients visiting emergency departments across the United States. It examines how misinformation and access barriers may contribute to declining vaccination rates.
NewsStudy finds blood pressure drug effective for treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria
A new study reports that a drug used to lower blood pressure could also be the basis of a promising new treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Candesartan cilexetil not only killed MRSA bacteria at different growth stages, but also reduced the formation of biofilms.
NewsModeling premature aging in yeast reveals key effects of progerin on cellular lifespan
Researchers developed a yeast-based model to study premature aging by expressing Progerin, the toxic protein responsible for Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Using genetically engineered yeast cells, they compared the effects of Progerin with its normal counterpart, Lamin A.