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
How human cells slow down the Ebola virus
Human cells may possess a previously underappreciated defence against Ebola virus infection. Researchers found that the cell-surface protein CD81 can restrict viral entry and replication, while Ebola appears to use two of its own proteins to counteract this protective mechanism.
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NewsAnti-HIV antibody clinical trials offer clues to prevent viral escape and resistance
The broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 has been thoroughly vetted as a potential prophylactic that could prevent people from becoming infected with HIV. A new analysis of data shows that the antibody initially provides strong protection, but that some strains of the virus can still cause breakthrough infections after treatment has stopped.
NewsHow a CRISPR sickle cell therapy moved from lab to clinical trial
Researchers have described how they advanced an experimental CRISPR approach for sickle cell disease into a blood stem cell therapy that can be manufactured at the scale and quality required for a clinical trial.
NewsCRISPR map reveals 6,500 genetic interactions in tuberculosis bacteria
Researchers have created the most detailed map yet of how essential genes interact in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By uncovering nearly 6,500 genetic relationships, the study reveals hidden gene functions and points to new ways of identifying drug targets and more effective antibiotic combinations.
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News
Toothbrush produces electricity to battle plaque-making bacteria
A new toothbrush generates electricity through bristle movement to wage war on plaque-producing pathogens. The invention successfully reduced cavity- and periodontitis-causing bacteria better than regular mechanical brushing in the mouths of 115 volunteers over 3 months.
NewsNew CRISPR proteins expand editing access to heart disease genes
A researcher has used his AI-supported Sequence Display technology to expand the targeting abilities of CRISPR/Cas9, evolving several variants of a compact Cas9 that could efficiently target stretches of DNA previously inaccessible for editing. The evolved Cas9s were successfully used to edit two genes found in coronary heart disease.
NewsOxford-developed vaccine recommended to enter pivotal trial against deadly Bundibugyo virus
A vaccine candidate developed by scientists at the University of Oxford has been recommended to enter a pivotal Phase 2/3 clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in a significant step towards tackling Bundibugyo virus, a potentially deadly pathogen for which no vaccine is currently approved.
NewsBreast milk sugar may help protect newborns from jaundice
A sugar naturally found in breast milk may help newborn intestines mature and process bilirubin, the compound that builds up during jaundice. In mice, loss of 3’-sialyllactose disrupted gut development, worsened hyperbilirubinemia and was linked to greater intestinal vulnerability later in life.
NewsHow a gut virus hijacks mucus production to slip past the body’s protective barrier
A recent study reveals how astroviruses use goblet cells as an escape route from the small intestines to evade host immunity and enhance spread and transmission, presenting a new path for treating pediatric diarrhea.
NewsCattle genetics and gut microbes could help cut methane emissions
Researchers are uncovering how cattle genetics and rumen microbes work together to shape methane emissions and feed efficiency. The findings could support new feed additives, probiotics and microbial strategies that reduce emissions while helping cattle extract more energy from their diet.
NewsLow-level lead exposure linked to higher strep throat risk in children
Even relatively low levels of lead exposure may be linked to a higher risk of strep throat in children. In a study of more than 13,000 children, those with blood lead levels below current public health action thresholds still had substantially higher odds of a strep diagnosis.
NewsResearchers harness the microbiome to prevent deadly bloodstream infections
Researchers have pioneered a new approach to preventing dangerous bloodstream infections in patients receiving donor stem cell transplants for blood cancers. The first-of-its-kind therapy delivers 16 carefully selected beneficial bacteria designed to restore the microbiome and fight harmful pathogens.
NewsWater-resistant microneedles could make fish vaccination safer and easier
Researchers have developed food-grade, water-resistant microneedles that can vaccinate fish underwater without conventional metal injections. The silk-based patches can remain attached while fish swim, release vaccines at controlled rates and may make it possible to protect much smaller juvenile fish earlier in life.
NewsNasal microbiome: When neighboring bacteria help pathogens thrive
Whether Staphylococcus aureus can establish itself in our noses also depends on the bacteria living alongside it. These microbial neighbors can either promote or inhibit the pathogen. Key factors include which nutrients the community consumes or releases and the metabolic capabilities of the particular S. aureus strain.
NewsCould newly identified gene targets help prevent and treat Salmonella infections?
Investigators identified three genes that are essential for biofilm formation in the foodborne bacterial pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium. Their experiments showed that disrupting these genes impaired biofilm structure and adhesion, and also resulted in decreased host colonization and virulence.
NewsHorizon Awards 2026: Professor James Ebdon named as winner of John Snow Prize
Environmental microbiologist Professor James Ebdon, from the University of Brighton, UK, has been named as the winner of the John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize, which recognises outstanding achievements in applied microbiology that deliver measurable improvements in public health and environmental health outcomes.
NewsAMI members call for microbiome-focused approach to EU biotechnology regulation
Members of Applied Microbiology International (AMI) have urged the European Commission to put microbial communities at the heart of environmental risk assessments for genetically modified microorganisms, as part of its response to the EU Biotech Act consultation.
NewsBacteria-powered biocomputer tackles complex problems in parallel
Researchers have built a biocomputer that uses growing bacteria to explore many possible solutions at the same time. By guiding the microbes through microfluidic networks, the system could offer a resource-efficient way to tackle complex problems in areas such as molecular biology, encryption and AI.
NewsEnzyme found to have surprising role in earliest infant gut microbiome development
Microbiologists have found that an enzyme, not normally associated with microbial activities in the human gut, to have a role in how some bacteria access key nutrients in breast milk.
NewsWho actually benefits from H. pylori treatment? A genetic score can tell before the first pill
In two Chinese randomized trials, a genetic score built from 11 variants identified people whose gastric cancer risk fell 56%–80% after Helicobacter pylori eradication — cutting the number needed to treat from 112 to 43.
NewsAn eight-year study of epidemiology and disease burden of child enterovirus in China
An eight-year multicenter study from China shows that while most hospitalized enterovirus cases occur in very young children and have favorable outcomes, a small number develop serious complications involving the brain, heart and other organs, leading to substantially greater use of hospital resources.
NewsFunctional food microecology links gut microbes to One Health
A new review proposes the framework Functional Food Microecology (FFM) that connects functional foods, the gut microbiome and host health. Rather than viewing diet only as calories and nutrients, the authors described food components as signals that gut microbes can transform into bioactive molecules.
NewsCan the microbiome really change medicine? Scientists confront the evidence gap
At Targeting Microbiota 2026 in Málaga, international scientists will explore how microbiome discoveries can move beyond laboratory research toward evidence-based clinical applications.