Latest news
Algae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs
Phytoplankton are the basic food source for many aquatic organisms. A new study shows that the light spectrum is more important for these microalgae and for lake ecosystems than previously assumed.
Wetland plant-fungus combo cleans up ‘forever chemicals’ in a pilot study
From a greenhouse study, researchers report that moisture-loving yellow flag irises and fungi on their roots are a promising combination for PFAS removal. As part of a constructed wetland, this pair could effectively treat contaminated wastewater.
Fertilizer boosts soil’s ability to lock away carbon
The 180-year experiment at Rothamsted — the world’s longest-running agricultural trial — has revealed that long-term application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in farmland soils, helping to mitigate climate change.
Could cardamom seeds be a potential source of antiviral treatment?
Researchers have found that cardamom seed extract, as well as its main bioactive ingredient, 1,8-cineole, can have potent antiviral effects through its ability to enhance the production of antiviral molecules known as type I interferons via nucleic acid ‘sensors’ inside cells.
Safer, more effective vaccines with new mRNA vaccine technology
A new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology could make future vaccines safer, more effective, and less burdensome for patients. The new approach uses albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA precisely to lymph nodes while bypassing the liver.
Compound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
A bioactive compound produced by the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis, found on Deception Island in Antarctica, has properties that qualify it for use in producing food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials.
Algae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs
Phytoplankton are the basic food source for many aquatic organisms. A new study shows that the light spectrum is more important for these microalgae and for lake ecosystems than previously assumed.
Wetland plant-fungus combo cleans up ‘forever chemicals’ in a pilot study
From a greenhouse study, researchers report that moisture-loving yellow flag irises and fungi on their roots are a promising combination for PFAS removal. As part of a constructed wetland, this pair could effectively treat contaminated wastewater.
Fertilizer boosts soil’s ability to lock away carbon
The 180-year experiment at Rothamsted — the world’s longest-running agricultural trial — has revealed that long-term application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in farmland soils, helping to mitigate climate change.
Pioneering gut health testing with a simple finger prick
Zinzino, the Scandinavian health and wellness company, has announced the launch of its innovative Gut Health Test. With a simple at-home finger prick, this is the first commercial test to measure what gut bacteria produce and how the body responds.
Caldic and AmphiStar join forces to transform personal care market in Europe with upcycled microbial biosurfactants
Global distributor Caldic and Belgian biotech innovator AmphiStar have announced an exclusive partnership to distribute and promote AmphiStar’s 100% upcycled microbial biosurfactants for personal care applications across Europe.
Bioinsecticide start-up BugBiome focuses on lead product development with move to Norwich Research Park
BugBiome, the agri-tech innovator developing new bioinsecticides from crop-associated microbes, has relocated to Norwich Research Park as it focuses on moving its lead aphicide into field trials in 2026.
Safer, more effective vaccines with new mRNA vaccine technology
A new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology could make future vaccines safer, more effective, and less burdensome for patients. The new approach uses albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA precisely to lymph nodes while bypassing the liver.
Scientists unbolt gateway to sharper CRISPR gene editing
Identifying the passwords for a certain CRISPR tool is a major stumbling block in discovering and characterising the CRISPR tool - but a team of scientists has cracked the code.
Researchers developing new easy-to-use viral biosensor test, giving patients more accurate and immediate results
An interdisciplinary team of researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect HIV & Hepatitis B and C simultaneously, that may be used in resource-limited settings. With quicker and more accessible results, the test has potential to save lives.
Researchers probe how malaria harms unborn babies
UK-based Wellcome has awarded over €2 million to an international research effort to uncover how malaria can injure developing babies.
Researchers partner on $28M initiative to build a precision phage platform for promoting public health
Researchers have embarked on a five-year initiative that aims to harness the natural predators of bacteria – known as phages – as precision tools to shape the human microbiome and promote health.
How AMI prioritises wellbeing for its staff
Applied Microbiology International’s own Emma Prissick has shared how the learned society prioritises the health and wellbeing of staff.