Latest news
Lab-grown algae removes microplastics from water
Scientists have applied a revolutionary strain of algae toward capturing and removing harmful microplastics from polluted water. The aim is to repurpose the collected microplastics into safe, bioplastic products such as composite plastic films.
Common bacteria discovered in the eye linked to cognitive decline
Chlamydia pneumoniae can linger in the eye and brain for years and may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests this bacterium can amplify Alzheimer’s disease and points to potential interventions including inflammation-limiting therapies and early antibiotic treatment.
Wetlands do not need to be flooded to provide the greatest climate benefit
Contrary to expectations, wetlands do not need to be completely flooded to provide the greatest climate benefit. Instead, the water table should be below the soil surface and remain stable, according to a new study.
How brick-building bacteria react to toxic chemical in Martian soil
Researchers investigated how bacteria that can mould Martian soil into brick-like structures fare in the presence of perchlorate, a toxic chlorine-containing chemical discovered in Martian soil. It slows down bacterial growth - but surprisingly leads to the formation of stronger bricks.
Researchers uncover the invisible worlds beneath our feet
An analysis of a natural aquifer revealed that despite their close spatial contact and possible interactions, the microorganisms in the water and on the rock form two strongly contrasting ecological communities.
How bacteria learned to target numerous cell types, revealed
A new study shows how bacteria adapted a virus-derived injection system to recognize and attach to many different types of cells. By identifying thousands of rapidly evolving receptor-binding proteins, the researchers explain how these systems can be retargeted in nature by swapping the part that binds to cells.
Lab-grown algae removes microplastics from water
Scientists have applied a revolutionary strain of algae toward capturing and removing harmful microplastics from polluted water. The aim is to repurpose the collected microplastics into safe, bioplastic products such as composite plastic films.
Common bacteria discovered in the eye linked to cognitive decline
Chlamydia pneumoniae can linger in the eye and brain for years and may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests this bacterium can amplify Alzheimer’s disease and points to potential interventions including inflammation-limiting therapies and early antibiotic treatment.
How brick-building bacteria react to toxic chemical in Martian soil
Researchers investigated how bacteria that can mould Martian soil into brick-like structures fare in the presence of perchlorate, a toxic chlorine-containing chemical discovered in Martian soil. It slows down bacterial growth - but surprisingly leads to the formation of stronger bricks.
PIXL Max: Automated colony picker breaks records for speed and accuracy
With the latest innovation from the team at Singer Instruments, a new standard for speed and repeatability in microbial colony pickers has been achieved through the integration of cutting edge AI technologies.
NexaBiome accelerates development of novel diabetic foot treatment with Scottish Enterprise funding
UK biotechnology company NexaBiome Life Sciences Ltd has received continued funding from Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to accelerate its breakthrough bacteriophage technology for the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFIs).
UK Centre for Mould Safety launches national training academy
The UK Centre for Mould Safety (UKCMS) National Training Academy has today opened its doors to upskill and improve competence, consistency and safety across all industries that serve homes and buildings, in a drive to support public health outcomes.
From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
A surface capable of responding to chemical signals generated by microorganisms and automatically producing biocidal substances – a description of how the B-STING silica nanocomposite works. The new material acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating only when necessary.
Nasal vaccine combats bird flu infection in rodents
Researchers have developed an intranasal H5N1 vaccine that elicited strong immune responses when tested in hamsters and mice and prevented infections in exposed animals. The team also confirmed their vaccine remained effective regardless of prior flu exposure.
A rapid test using a mobile phone will be able to identify the most severe cases of imported malaria within minutes
A new malaria tool uses a mobile phone to combine rapid diagnostic tests with video analysis and is capable not only of detecting the infection in under six minutes but also of predicting which patients may develop severe forms of malaria.
Launch of clinical trial of investigative nasal spray medicine to prevent illnesses from respiratory viruses
A new clinical trial will test a new experimental intranasal spray designed to boost immune defenses and reduce illness from respiratory viruses.
Six years after COVID-19’s global alarm: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic?
Six years ago, the Director-General of the World Health Organization sounded the highest global alarm available under international law at the time, declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease. As we cross this six-year mark, WHO asks: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic?
Danish pediatrician warns Denmark’s childhood vaccine schedule is not one the U.S. can copy
Danish pediatrician Lone Graff Stensballe DMSc, PhD warns that the U.S. should not replicate Denmark’s childhood vaccine strategy due to major social and health disparities between the two countries.