All Editorial articles
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NewsBacterial ‘jumping genes’ can target and control chromosome ends
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that transposons, or “jumping genes” use to survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA, with applications in biotechnology and drug development.
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NewsTB vaccine candidate provides ‘elite’ protection
A tuberculosis vaccine candidate under development shows complete protection and superior immune response in nonhuman primates compared to the existing BCG vaccine.
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NewsA 'Trojan Horse' approach to develop new antimalarial drugs
Researchers have discovered a key process whereby malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment.
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NewsMethod detects signs of life in ancient rocks - such as Mars samples
A new instrument was successfully developed to detect microbial lifeforms in ancient Earth rocks analogous to those found on Mars rocks, as a biohazard precaution measure when Mars rock samples are brought to Earth.
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NewsDamaged but not defeated: Bacteria use nano-spearguns to retaliate against attacks
Scientists used state-of-the-art microscopy technology to mimic a nano-speargun, the type VII secretion system, used as a bacterial pinpoint counterattack tactic in response to cell envelope damage against rival bacteria.
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NewsPackets of freeze-dried bacteria grow biocement on demand
Researchers report a freeze-drying approach that preserves biocement-producing bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads.
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NewsResearch identifies key antibodies for development of broadly protective norovirus vaccine
A new study identifies powerful antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of norovirus strains. The finding could lead to the design of broadly effective norovirus vaccine, as well as the development of new therapeutic antibodies.
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NewsThroat microbiome holds clues to older Australians’ health
A simple swab from the back of the throat, known as the oropharynx, may offer clues about health challenges faced by aged care residents.
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NewsInsilico Medicine deploys the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist in fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory
Insilico Medicine, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering generative AI for drug discovery and development, has announced the deployment of the first bipedal humanoid in its AI-powered fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory.
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NewsBAADesign enables the immune escaped etesevimab fully-armed against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants
BAADesign offers a powerful tool for reengineering monoclonal antibodies to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing a scalable solution for future pandemic preparedness, according to a new study.
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NewsNew antibodies show potential to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers discovered that a paired combination of antibodies binding to the two domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral particle showed promising results in elimination of all virus variants caused in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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NewsResearchers see breakthrough in efficient biofuel production
Researchers have found ways to limit the toxicity to microbes generated by the biofuel butanol through fermentation of plant biomass, by manipulating the structure of microbe cell membrane at atomic level.
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NewsAdaptation to extreme conditions: thermal water biofilm studies could help understand ancient ecosystems
Researchers have discovered unique bacterial communities in thermal waters that may help unravel the development of stromatolites, one of Earth’s oldest rock formations.
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NewsLonger breastfeeding linked to blood-pressure lowering effects of certain infant gut bacteria
An observational study has found that infants who had more diverse bacteria in their gut had lower childhood blood pressure, and this protective association was stronger if they were breastfed for at least six months.
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NewsScottish biotech company Lentitek secures £1m funding to advance next generation cancer treatments
Biotech company Lentitek Ltd has secured £700,000 in private funding from Equity Gap, bringing its total investment to £1 million in the last six months. It develops manufacturing technologies for lentiviral vectors, used with CAR-T cell and gene therapies.
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NewsScientist who deployed glowing stars to detect disease named fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry
The man who turned the science of glow-in-the-dark stars into ways to detect disease, Professor Richard Willson, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
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NewsWhite blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria
A $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).will support research into blood platelets and macrophages; how integrin tension influences cell function; and how this force affects platelet behavior.
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NewsAMI member Christopher Stewart named as laureate in 2025 UK Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists
Applied Microbiology International member Professor Christopher Stewart of Newcastle University has been named as one of three 2025 laureates in the eighth Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK.
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NewsScientists reveal anti-bacterial role of plant metabolite
A study shows that a plant metabolite, erucamide, is able to target and disrupt a protein assembly of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, thus inhibiting their virulence. Understanding the metabolite’s molecular mechanisms could protect crops from infection.
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NewsResearchers develop innovative tool for rapid pathogen detection
A powerful pipeline was developed for more efficient and accurate primer design in qPCR that accelerates the diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and facilitates researches in rapidly evolving pathogens.