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.
- Previous
- Next
Azotobacter: a microbial route to green and sustainable ammonia
Ammonia is one of the most important chemicals in modern society. It plays a central role in global food production as the key ingredient in fertilizers that sustain nearly half of the world’s population. Beyond agriculture, ammonia has recently attracted growing attention as a potential carbon-free energy carrier and hydrogen ...
Read story
Under the microscope: extremophiles of the Earth
Extremophiles are microbial organisms that live in extreme environments normally considered uninhabitable. Over the past few decades, extremophiles have been discovered in increasingly bizarre and unexpected environments around the globe, including within acid lakes, plastic recycling centres and even in radioactive sites such as Chernobyl.
Measuring and controlling an air fryer’s internal temperature for polymerase chain reaction
Read the second part in the journey to running PCR in an air fryer…
Losing the Earth’s bounty
Farmland degradation and soil erosion have caused food shortages and the collapse of civilizations throughout human history. Today, soil degradation is a growing driver of global threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. Loss of soil, the resource that supports production of 95% of the food supply, ...
Under the Lens video series
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 3
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 2
The Microbiologist: Under the Lens | Episode 1
Get unlimited access to The Microbiologist
The Microbiologist provides detailed information on the latest research, topics, reviews, events and news on a wide variety of microbiological topics.
Members of Applied Microbiology International get unlimited access as a benefit. Find out more about AMI Membership
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.
Why cruise ships remain vulnerable to viral outbreaks - and how new technologies could help
A dream holiday can quickly become a public health challenge when thousands of people share the same dining rooms, elevators and living spaces. Recent viral outbreaks on cruise ships have shown just how vulnerable these floating cities remain to infectious diseases.
LAMECS 2026: An important milestone for early-career microbiologists
Ekramul Karim reveals why LAM ECS 2026 has been an important milestone in his own journey as an early-career microbiologist and how it has broadened his appreciation for the versatility of microbiology beyond biomedical and environmental settings.
LAMECS 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.
Accessibility, visibility, and participation - what AMI’s 2026 survey reveals about the future of applied microbiology
Applied Microbiology International’s 2026 Member Survey paints a picture of an organisation with strong foundations, a genuinely global reputation, and a highly engaged membership community, particularly among early-career microbiologists.
Eject! Bacteria discovered with the ability to jettison cells as a survival mechanism
Biologists have found that communities of bacteria are capable of ‘escape pod’ ejection strategies. They documented the biofilm ejection phenomenon for the first time while studying a bacterium known as hay bacillus (Bacillus subtilis).
Fighting the world’s deadliest infection with PAC-MAN and AI
Researchers have developed techniques that can speed up the search for better tuberculosis drugs. They first measure which chemical compounds are able to slip across the outer membrane and then use those measurements to predict other compounds that can get into the Mtb cell.
Microbe-mapping project transforms entire university campus into a “living lab”
An innovative citizen science project is combining large-scale microbe sampling with metagenomics workshops and utilising the power of students to map out the varied microbiomes of the University of Milano-Bicocca’s campus - including those within the students themselves.
Food security
Wasted pumpkin peel can keep your food fresh
Researchers have turned agricultural by-products into a biodegradable food packaging material, offering a potential approach to both food loss and plastic pollution.
Clean Water
Biologist will use €1.63m grant to investigate how microorganisms reactivate their metabolism after prolonged dormancy.
Dr. Sofia Doello has been awarded a grant of around 1.63 million euros for her research through the Emmy Noether program. In her project ’Metabolic foundation of developmental transitions’, she will investigate how microorganisms reactivate their metabolism after a prolonged period of dormancy.
Biologist will use €1.63m grant to investigate how microorganisms reactivate their metabolism after prolonged dormancy.
Dr. Sofia Doello has been awarded a grant of around 1.63 million euros for her research through the Emmy Noether program. In her project ’Metabolic foundation of developmental transitions’, she will investigate how microorganisms reactivate their metabolism after a prolonged period of dormancy.
