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.
News
World’s first oral microbiome-based nanomedicine to supercharge anti-cancer immunity
Researchers have successfully developed the world’s first oral, microbiome-based nanomedicine which enhances the ability of immune cells to attack cancer cells.
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NewsSteroids reduce inflammation in chronic mycobacterial lung infections without limiting antimicrobial defence
Researchers have shown that dexamethasone, a commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory steroid, can reduce harmful inflammation triggered by Mycobacterium avium without weakening the ability of human immune cells to control the infection.
NewsAncient bacterial signals from cell powerhouses may fuel excessive inflammation
Researchers have discovered that proteins released from mitochondria can activate the immune system in a similar way to invading bacteria, suggesting that remnants of mitochondria’s evolutionary past may contribute to inflammation.
NewsNew study shows how Toxoplasma parasite evolved to adapt to crowded conditions in host cells
How Toxoplasma reshapes its metabolism to keep growing under crowded conditions in a tissue cyst has been unclear. A new study identifies a parasite-specific protein that helps coordinate this response, allowing Toxoplasma to manage oxidative stress.
More One Health
News
Research sheds more light on the antimicrobial properties of mānuka honey
New research has shown that a variety of compounds is responsible for the antimicrobial action of mānuka honey, not just the sugar content and methylglyoxal (MGO) alone, as previously thought.
NewsResearchers look at ‘genetic neighborhoods’ to find pathogenic bacteria
Researchers used a machine-learning approach to study not just which genes a bacterium has, but also where those genes sit next to each other, helping to distinguish disease-causing strains of a poultry pathogen from nonpathogenic strains.
NewsLong-acting therapies continue to gain momentum in HIV, says GlobalData
The next phase of competition in the HIV market will be defined not only by achieving viral suppression, but improving treatment adherence, reducing medication burden and delivering more convenient treatment options, says a new analysis.
CareersMember Q&A: Thomas Thompson on the central role AMI has played in his research journey
Pharmacist and microbiologist Dr Thomas Thompson reveals how AMI membership has played a central role in reaching the point where he is about to start building his own research programme in the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast.
NewsTriple-dose regimen may permanently clear HIV in infected newborns
New research suggests a one-time regimen of therapies given to newborns within three days of birth could permanently clear HIV infection.
NewsNew viral marker strategies improve prediction of functional cure in chronic hepatitis B
Researchers identify how combining classical and emerging viral biomarkers can better predict functional cure and guide individualized hepatitis B treatment.
NewsLargest real-world study finds early flu antiviral treatment reduces ICU admissions in hospitalized children
A new US-wide study finds antiviral treatment is linked to fewer intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and shorter hospital stays for children hospitalized with influenza.
NewsStudy finds HIV-1 proviruses may drive chronic systemic inflammation
People living with HIV are at higher risk of developing inflammatory diseases of many tissues, even when receiving antiviral treatments. A new study suggests that persistent hidden HIV contributes to this inflammation.
NewsNew study finds bacterial infections affect about 1 in 20 hospitalized adults with firearm injuries
A new study finds that bacterial infections develop in approximately 5 percent of adults hospitalized with firearm injuries.
NewsObesity drug significantly reduces the risk of infections and serious cardiovascular events
Tirzepatide, marketed under the brand name Mounjaro, could reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes by by about one-third when compared with a conventional diabetes medication.
NewsDecoding the gut microbiome’s symphony in health and disease
A new study shows that analysing what gut microbes are doing, rather than identifying which species are present may be more important for understanding intestinal inflammation.
NewsBeyond COVID-19: Fundamental principles that shape pandemics
Researchers have compiled 10 fundamental mechanisms that can be used to describe the development of pandemics, bringing together insights from epidemiology, sociology, mathematics, physics, political science, psychology, and public health.
News'Plasma Gun' technology could transform space laundry and sanitation for future missions
A new plasma-based technology may help astronauts stay healthier during missions to the moon and Mars.
NewsBacterial supplements may boost female fertility
As women get older, their uterine environment changes. Researchers show that treating mice and humans with a beneficial bacterium called Lactobacillus gasseri or derived postbiotics may improve fertility among women over the age of 35.
NewsOptimal containment measures exhibit a clear threshold depending on severity of infectious disease
Pandemic measures can reduce the spread of disease but also entail social, economic, and psychological costs. A new model calculates the optimal intensity of intervention based on the characteristics and severity of a disease.
NewsLab identifies gap in malaria vaccines, added peptides can strengthen response
The two vaccines in use today rally the immune system against a single region of the malaria parasite. A new study finds that adding short peptides for two overlooked regions broadens the response and strengthens protection.
NewsTumor-like tissue environments could hold clues to curing HIV
The tissue microenvironments surrounding HIV-infected immune cells look a lot like those surrounding cancerous tumors, reports a new study. The findings help explain why HIV has been so difficult to cure.
NewsThe ‘windows’ that set genotoxic bacteria on a track towards colorectal cancer
Scientists have identified potential ‘windows of opportunity’ that can provide routes for some pathogenic strains of E coli to cause mutations that ultimately lead to colorectal cancers.
NewsResearchers uncover unexpected twist in fight against antibiotic resistance
A group of Cornell College students and their professor have discovered surprising results in their research on antimicrobial peptides, which are being studied as a method of combating antibiotic resistance.