All UK & Rest of Europe articles – Page 8
-
NewsUltra-selective aptamers give viruses a taste of their own medicine
Inspired by the way viruses attach to cells, scientists have developed a method for engineering ultra-selective aptamers. The synthetic molecules bind to targets like viral spike proteins, making them useful for biomedical diagnostics and treatments.
-
NewsTwin study detects gut bacteria that play a role in development of multiple sclerosis
Researchers examined stool samples from 81 pairs of twins, and compared their composition between siblings. They identified 51 taxa—groups of microorganisms—that differed in abundance between twins with and without MS symptoms.
-
NewsThe RVC appoints new diagnostic laboratories manager to drive future direction and success
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has appointed Dr Libby Graham as its new Diagnostic Laboratories Manager, who joins the Pathobiology and Population Sciences Department, located at the RVC’s Hawkshead campus, Potters Bar.
-
NewsRapid testing for sexually transmitted infections on the horizon
Birmingham spin-out Linear Diagnostics has been awarded £1m funding to finalise the development of a low-cost, accurate, near-patient diagnostic platform that aims to diagnose STIs from a single sample faster than any commercially available alternative.
-
NewsNew source of natural antibiotics hidden within our own proteins identified
A team of scientists has identified a new type of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in human proteins that are capable of selectively eliminating multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly of the gram-negative type, responsible for serious hospital acquired infections.
-
NewsComputer-identified antiviral drug candidates confirmed by lab experiments
An interdisciplinary research team has identified two antiviral drug candidates effective against a wide range of viruses. The study demonstrates how combining computer-aided modeling with laboratory validation can speed up the development of new antiviral drugs.
-
NewsFungal resistance in wheat: preserving biodiversity for food security
Researchers have found traditional wheat varieties from Asia that harbor several genes that confer resistance against yellow rust. They may serve as a durable source of yellow rust resistance in commercial varieties in the future.
-
NewsEarly career scientists gear up for LAM ECS Symposium next week
More than 100 delegates have now signed up for the Letters in Applied Microbiology Early Career Scientists Symposium 2025, a one-day event which is taking place in Liverpool on June 12.
-
NewsBaby’s microbiome may protect against childhood viral infection
A baby’s makeup of gut bacteria — their microbiome — which starts to form as soon as they are born, could help protect against viral infections later in childhood, a new study suggests.
-
NewsAntibiotics 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.
-
NewsHeatwaves greatly influence parasite burden; likely spread of disease
New research implies that heatwaves have a major influence on the spread of many diseases – and that many existing predictive models have overlooked this complexity. Differences in heatwaves can increase disease burden by up to 13 times in an animal model.
-
NewsBacteria hitch a ride on yeast puddles to zoom around
Researchers found that bacteria can speed up by using the fluid pockets shaped by neighboring yeast cells. These microscopic moisture trails allow bacteria to swim farther and spread faster—revealing a new way for microbes to travel through soil, plants, and the human body.
-
NewsLight-controlled bacteria can tackle antibiotic resistance or become ‘bacterial robots’
A groundbreaking technique uses light-sensitive materials to control bacteria, allowing them to sense light and convert light energy into electrical signals across their membranes without the need for any genetic modification.
-
NewsStudies probe how novel inhibitors can switch efflux pumps off in TB bacteria
Two new studies aim to both identify and understand how novel inhibitors can switch efflux pumps off in the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
-
NewsGlobal phage experts converge in Berlin to shape the future of antimicrobial medicine
The 8th World Congress on Targeting Phage Therapy (June 10–11, 2025) returns to Berlin, bringing together over 75 international speakers and contributors from 27 countries.
-
NewsMum’s obesity linked to child’s heightened hospital admission risk for infection
Children born to mothers who are very obese with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to hospital for an infection, finds a long term study.
-
NewsSmart plastics are key to curbing healthcare infection rates, says Symphony Environmental
A leading plastics innovator urges hospitals and care-homes to adopt antimicrobial smart plastic solutions to address infection rates.
-
NewsNitrogen loss on sandy shores: The big impact of tiny anoxic pockets
Denitrification in tiny anoxic pockets on sand grains could account for up to one-third of total nitrogen loss in silicate shelf sands, a new study reveals.
-
NewsMultiple 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.
-
NewsLavender and lemongrass oils effective against thrush infections, new research reveals
They may be more familiar as a room scent but a new study being presented at the Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Research Symposium 2025 reveals that lavender and lemongrass essential oils are effective against thrush, even at low levels.