All University of Nottingham articles
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NewsShapeshifting plant roots rely on a balance of anatomy, metabolism, and microbes to maximize survival
Scientists have identified the mechanisms that allow plants to change their root anatomy to maximise survival when nutrients are scarce. The findings could pave the way for developing new ways to improve beneficial plant-microbe interactions in agriculture.
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NewsHigh-resolution DNA typing uncovers hidden diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in China
An international research team has revealed previously hidden genetic diversity in Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed zoonotic parasite, in China.
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CareersLAMECS 2026: microbes, career motivation, and exploring life on Mars!
Jemima Swain reports back on her experiences of the Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Symposium 2026 at Manchester Metropolitan University, which brought together almost 100 delegates for a day of scientific presentations, posters, careers talks, and opportunities for discussion and networking.
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NewsCOVID antiviral speeds recovery but doesn’t reduce hospitalization in vaccinated patients, trials find
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) does not reduce hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19, despite helping them recover faster, according to results from two national trials.
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NewsPeople’s gut bacteria worse in areas with higher social deprivation
Living in a poorer neighbourhood in the UK could impact the make-up of your gut microbiome, potentially leading to worse health. New research found that people living in areas of higher social deprivation have a less diverse range of bacteria in their gut.
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NewsScientists identify key protein that stops malaria parasite growth
An international team of scientists have identified a unique protein essential for the malaria parasite’s survival and transmission. Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) acts as a ‘traffic controller’ during the parasite’s unusual cell division and growth process.
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NewsScientists synthesize medicarpin in baker’s yeast
Scientists have developed a way to synthesize medicarpin in yeast. Like palitaxel in the 1990s, this tumor-attacking sustance has only limited natural quantitites and is considered difficult to synthesize.
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NewsScientists observe infections by cancer-causing retroviruses in koalas as they occur
Scientists analysed the ongoing colonization by two retroviruses of the germline of koalas and resulting deaths from cancer in multi-generational pedigrees of over 100 koalas in US and European zoos. They calculated genetic risk scores (GRS) that can help guide koala breeding programs.
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NewsNew study explores ‘legacy effects’ of soil microbes on plants across Kansas
A new study analyzes soils sampled across the state of Kansas to determine the importance of “legacy effects” — or how soils from a specific location are influenced by microbes that have evolved in response to the specific climate at that site for many years.
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NewsBabies born eight to ten weeks early can be safely milk fed without risk of gut complications, finds a new study
A major study has found that babies born between eight to ten weeks early can be fed with milk through a tube in their stomach straight after birth rather than being given intravenous feeds through a drip.
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NewsCombination of pre- and probiotics offers superior anti-inflammatory benefits compared with omega-3 or prebiotic alone
A new study has found that combining certain types of dietary supplements is more effective than single prebiotics or omega-3 in supporting immune and metabolic health, which could lower the risk of conditions linked to chronic inflammation.
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NewsStartling images show how antibiotic pierces bacteria’s armor
Researchers have shown for the first time how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins pierce the armour of harmful bacteria. They showed how Polymyxin B rapidly caused bumps and bulges to break out on the surface of an E. coli cell, followed by the bacterium shedding its outer armour.
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NewsKiss goodbye to deadly disease – new research finds ‘Pac-Man’ antibodies for killer parasite
Researchers have successfully produced antibodies that kill the parasite carried by the ‘kissing bug’ that causes the potentially deadly Chagas disease. The research is a vital step towards the development of the first effective vaccine.
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NewsAMI welcomes two new members to its Board of Trustees
Applied Microbiology International has welcomed two new trustees to the AMI Board of Trustees - Dr Helen Onyeaka and Otto Balsiger. Professor Catherine Rees has been re-elected for a second term as a Trustee.
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NewsScientists discover a materials maze that prevents bacterial infections
Scientists have discovered surface patterns that can drastically reduce bacteria’s ability to multiply on plastics, which means that infections on medical devices, such as catheters, could be prevented.
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CareersMy autistic academic maze - and my advice to neurodiverse PhD students
In Neurodiversity Celebration Week, PhD student Joshua Yates reveals the challenges of pursuing a career in microbiology with autism and dyslexia - and his advice to others.
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NewsGenetic switch controlling microbiota impact could help control leaf growth in poor soils
A new study has identified a genetic circuit in plants that controls individual leaf growth and allows the plants to adapt to their environment. The findings could help the development of more drought-resistant crops.
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NewsMRI could be key to understanding the impact a gluten free diet has on people with coeliac disease
Experts have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand the impact a gluten free diet has on people with coeliac disease, which could be the first step towards finding new ways of treating the condition.
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NewsCaterpillar fungus that inspired ‘The Last of Us’ can slow down growth of cancer cells
New research into a chemical produced by a caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment has revealed how it interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth signals.
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