Meet the Global Ambassadors: our Q&A with Luay Abu-Qatouseh
The Microbiologist gets to know our Global Ambassador for Jordan, Associate Prof. Dr. Luay Abu-Qatouseh of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra.
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Can monolaurin help fight superbugs?
Among the many naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds, glycerol monolaurate (GML), more commonly known as monolaurin, has attracted renewed interest because of its broad antimicrobial activity and potential role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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A century of colicin: how a problem became the cure
Since the dawn of time, bacteria have evolved sophisticated ways to wage war against one another. Among the most fascinating of these natural weapons are colicins — protein toxins produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to eliminate competing bacteria. This article examines how these remarkable molecules were ...
Under the Microscope: Microbes in fashion
In the dawn of a new era, the fashion industry is turning its sights to harnessing the power of microbes to produce cruelty-free fur and leather alternatives, to create pigments that will replace toxic dyes and even being used to more sustainably recycle textile waste.
The living wooden cellar: microbiota of high-elevation artisanal cider in Slovenia
In the subalpine region of Carinthia, in northern Slovenia, cider is produced on remote family farms at altitudes of 500 to 860 metres - above the range in which the country’s vineyards operate. Here, cider-making is not a specialty product but a long-standing regional practice, historically shaped by a climate unsuited to winegrowing.
Under the Lens video series
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 4
The microscopic organisms living around plant roots may hold the key to reducing agriculture’s reliance on chemical fertilisers and other non-renewable inputs, according to plant microbiome researcher Dr Davide Bulgarelli.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 3
Is raw milk safe to drink? Prof Emmanuel Adukwu is joined by Prof Nicola Holden and Dr Gil Domingue for a conversation on the societal, scientific, and health implications of this pertinent question.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 2
In our second episode, Dr Callum Cooper joins Professor Emmanuel Adukwu to talk about all things bacteriophage, from alternatives to antibiotics, social impact, and regulation.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 1
In our first episode, Professor Raquel Peixoto joins Professor Jack Gilbert for a deep dive into coral reefs, microbes, and the future of our planet.
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 4
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 3
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 2
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 1
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Whose culture is it? Rethinking the study of traditional fermented food microbiomes
When microbiologists study traditional fermented foods, are we simply documenting natural biodiversity, or are we also accessing a form of cultural heritage, asks Tara Spencer-Drakes, PhD.
Federal research rule changes could reshape applied microbiology in America
On June 5, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to federal grant administration that would fundamentally alter how applied microbiology research and development is funded and conducted in America.
Fungi that inspired The Last of Us may hold the key to a pesticide-free agriculture
They may be the stuff of our nightmares, but Aditya Singh Ranout reveals how invisible allies underneath our feet in the form of entomopathogenic fungi are transforming agriculture - and why these fascinating microbes may hold the key to a pesticide-free agriculture.
A day in the life: Discovering the hidden microbes of Britain’s historic waters
PhD student Wewerly Fernandes outlines her investigations into the microorganisms living in Britain’s historic wells and natural springs - once believed to hold healing properties and linked to legends of Merlin and renowned figures like Robert Burns.
Member 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.
Cortona Prokaryotes: fostering researcher identity for young scientists since 1984
This summer, Letters in Applied Microbiology sponsored the Cortona Prokaryotes congress in Italy, organised by the Italian Society of General Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (SIMGBM). Loredana Baccigalupi, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Naples, reports back.
Researchers use malaria strategy to target Chagas disease
Researchers have identified a new strategy to prevent the spread of Chagas disease, one which is already used in anti-malarial drugs.
Magnetotactic bacteria show potential for extending healthy lifespan
Recently, new research has demonstrated that the magnetotactic bacterium (MTB) Magnetospirillum magneticum can extended healthy organismal lifespan in a Caenorhabditis elegans model.
Anti-immigrant ‘public charge’ policy may have contributed to rise in HIV among Hispanic populations
Following the Trump administration’s 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, antisanctuary counties in the US saw a 16.8% increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations.
Food security
Tiny ocean plankton holds clues to the future of Maine lobster
Researchers have discovered that planktonic baby lobsters, or larvae, preferentially feed on Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny, calorie-rich zooplankton species, during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives.
Clean Water
Biochar as an “electron bridge” unlocks hidden power of energy‑saving wastewater treatment
New research reveals how a charcoal‑like material triples electron transfer capacity in ammonia‑removing microbes, cutting wastewater treatment costs by up to 90%.
Tiny ocean plankton holds clues to the future of Maine lobster
Researchers have discovered that planktonic baby lobsters, or larvae, preferentially feed on Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny, calorie-rich zooplankton species, during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives.
