Latest news
Tiny marine worms shop around for bacterial partners
Like shoppers wandering between market stalls, tiny gutless marine worms appear to pick and change the bacterial partners they depend on for survival. A new study suggests this flexibility may help the worms tap into different sources of food and energy and adapt to changing environments.
New study raises questions about antifungal treatments during pregnancy
A study suggests that common antifungal medicines used during pregnancy may be associated with changes in foetal hormone production. However, the researchers cannot yet say whether the differences observed have consequences for the children later in life.
Gut bacteria shape how fiber works
Eating more fiber does not necessarily mean the same thing for every gut microbiome. New research shows that plant-based carbohydrates can favor Segatella copri only when certain other bacteria are already present, revealing how strongly diet depends on the microbial community it enters.
Researchers built a low-cost system that knows when coughing is on the rise
What if a room could tell when coughing is on the rise without cameras or identifying anyone? Researchers have developed a low-cost sensor system that uses microphones, AI and lightweight computing to count coughs and distinguish between different coughers, potentially helping hospitals spot increases in respiratory illness earlier.
Petal ‘windows’ affect the abundance of microbes within flowers
Some flowers have petals with small semi-translucent sections. Research reveals that these “windows” alter the amount of light and heat entering the flower and create conditions that influence microbial abundance.
Nobel Prize: Light-seeking algae gave us a switch for nerve cells
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 is awarded for optogenetics - a method that makes it possible to show how nerve cells shape memories, feelings and behaviours in the living brain. But the road to the award began when Peter Hegemann wondered how the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas, is able to swim towards a light source.
Tiny marine worms shop around for bacterial partners
Like shoppers wandering between market stalls, tiny gutless marine worms appear to pick and change the bacterial partners they depend on for survival. A new study suggests this flexibility may help the worms tap into different sources of food and energy and adapt to changing environments.
New study raises questions about antifungal treatments during pregnancy
A study suggests that common antifungal medicines used during pregnancy may be associated with changes in foetal hormone production. However, the researchers cannot yet say whether the differences observed have consequences for the children later in life.
Gut bacteria shape how fiber works
Eating more fiber does not necessarily mean the same thing for every gut microbiome. New research shows that plant-based carbohydrates can favor Segatella copri only when certain other bacteria are already present, revealing how strongly diet depends on the microbial community it enters.
AFYREN and Terrial renew their partnership for French-manufactured potash fertilizers
AFYREN and Terrial today announce the renewal of their strategic partnership with the signing of a new multi-year fertilizer supply contract, worth several tens of millions of euros This long-term contract strengthens both companies’ commitment to making French agriculture more sustainable and less dependent on international fertilizer markets.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
Green hydrogen production and storage using alcohols, iron, and baker’s yeast
A new recyclable system uses baker’s yeast to store H₂ in organic molecules and iron ions to release it when needed - offering a promising route toward more sustainable hydrogen production and storage.
Patch brings light to wound care
Researchers working on innovative treatment methods for chronic wounds have developed a material that releases active ingredients in a controlled manner when exposed to light, which could improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce its side effects.
Rapid genomic test identifies fungal bloodstream infections
Researchers have developed a rapid genomic method that can identify fungal bloodstream infections at the species level in about seven hours. By combining host DNA depletion, whole-genome amplification and real-time nanopore sequencing, the approach could help clinicians select appropriate antifungal treatment much earlier.
Scientists use bacteria to produce muconic acid from plants
Researchers have engineered a soil bacterium to synthesize muconic acid, a valuable chemical in the manufacturing industry, from plant matter.
Nobel Prize: Light-seeking algae gave us a switch for nerve cells
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 is awarded for optogenetics - a method that makes it possible to show how nerve cells shape memories, feelings and behaviours in the living brain. But the road to the award began when Peter Hegemann wondered how the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas, is able to swim towards a light source.
AMI celebrates accreditation recognising strong EDI culture
Applied Microbiology International is celebrating after being awarded Investors in Diversity’s Silver for Charities accreditation - the highest level of accreditation available for small charities under the small charities scheme.
WHO response to report of a death of a laboratory worker in Russia of severe pneumonia
The World Health Orgnanization has issued a statement from WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the report of a death of a laboratory worker in Russia of severe pneumonia.