Be inspired by some of the world’s leading microbiologists, discover the work of laboratories around the world, get advice on key topics and find out about exciting career opportunities in the world of microbiology.
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Summer Studentship: novel antivirals and host-virus interactions
Jessica Harris reports back on her Summer Studentship at De Montfort University, and her research into how plant-derived compounds affect viruses, and whether combining these antivirals might increase viral inhibition.
The National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV): a critical resource for virology and public health
It’s now 25 years since the National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV) was founded as a dedicated, secure, and relevant national virus repository for the UK. Jane Burton, Teresa Ramalho and Tilly Maybery explore how the collection has evolved - and is tackling future global health concerns.
Scientific Event Travel Grant: how the Safepork conference surpassed my expectations
Shan Goh from the University of Hertfordshire reports back on the International Symposium on the Epidemiology and Control of Biological, Chemical and Physical Hazards in Pigs and Pork held in Rennes, France, in October. Shan was supported with a Scientific Event Travel Grant awarded by AMI.
CBCTA 2024 oral presentation winners: Isabella and Lia take home the honours
Letters in Applied Microbiology sponsored the best oral presentation award at the 29th Brazilian Congress of Food Science and Technology (CBCTA 2024). Winner Isabella Bassoto Xavier and runner-up Lia Mariano Aquino take a dive into their research.
The Space Microbiology Group
The Space Microbiology Group studies how microorganisms behave in space conditions, using tools such as microbiology, molecular biology, system biology and geomicrobiology to learn how new biotechnologies could be applied to space.
The Rahlff lab
The Aero-Aquatic Virus Research Group led by Dr. Janina Rahlff conducts basic research on microbial viruses from the surface microlayer, which is the 1-mm thick ‘skin’ of a water body’s surface, and in atmospheric ecosystems.
The Microbial EcoGenomics and Biotechnology Lab (MEGBLab)
At MEGBLab, our mission is to advance the understanding of microorganisms and their crucial role in environmental sustainability.
Laboratorio Calidad de Aguas
The Water Quality Laboratory of the National University of Salta, founded by Dr Mónica Salusso and Dr. Liliana Moraña, is going from strength to strength - but faces challenges posed by major budget cuts to science and research in Argentina.
The Babalola Lab
The Babalola Lab examines the interplay between plants and plant growth-promoting rhizobiome in plant health management using high throughput sequencing
Scientists unlock magnetic secrets of bacteria with built-in compass
Some bacteria are miniature masters of navigation: A built-in “compass” made of magnetic nanoparticles helps them to reliably find the optimal habitat. Researchers have now unlocked the magnetic properties of individual bacteria — an important step toward harnessing the potential for technology.
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Healthier, tastier kelp: food scientists boost nutrition and flavour of kombu
A team of food scientists has found a way to unlock the trapped nutrients in the edible seaweed, kombu, and replace the strong odours with more appealing scents, directly overcoming the two major challenges – limited nutrient bioaccessibility and poor sensory experience.
First evidence of fungal pathogen becoming more deadly when co-infected with tuberculosis
Co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, together with Cryptococcus neoformans, is a grave public health concern, increasing the risk of death significantly. Researchers have found that in the presence of Mycobacteria, the fungus changed its cell density, cell diversity, and capsule size.
Biocodex Microbiota Foundation announces open call for projects for $50,000 2026 USA Microbiome Research Grant
The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation, an independent organization founded by Biocodex, has opened applications for its 2026 USA research grant. The $50,000 grant will be awarded to a U.S.-based investigator studying the gut microbiota and its relationship to human health and disease.
Advice
Next-gen microbiologists: from innovators to business leaders
Today, we need microbiologists to be not only academics or researchers but also budding innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Career possibilities in this domain are vast, as people can build their own ventures, become policy makers, and employers.
Navigating mid-career challenges in biotech, pharma, and life sciences amid sector-wide layoffs
The current economic climate has cast a shadow over biotech, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries, with widespread layoffs and restructuring efforts creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
My autistic academic maze - and my advice to neurodiverse PhD students
In Neurodiversity Celebration Week, PhD student Joshua Yates reveals the challenges of pursuing a career in microbiology with autism and dyslexia - and his advice to others.
The true cost of science
Discover valuable insights from three companies in the microbiology field, and their experience of balancing innovation, investment, and sustainability to drive their success.
Nine to five
A day in the life of a soil microbial ecologist
Dr. Taniya RoyChowdhury, a soil microbial ecologist and biogeochemist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, describes a typical day.
A day in the life of Associate Practitioner in Microbiology
Discover the role, the challenges, and key opportunities for the future.
The role of clinical microbiologists in HAIs, AMR and beyond
A clinical microbiologist describes the key roles and technological challenges encountered in a typical day.
A Day in the Life of a Microbiologist at ACEWATER
My journey began in 2020 as a PhD student in Environmental Microbiology at Redeemer’s University, and I’ve since been immersed in the fascinating world of microbiological research. My work at the African Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER) presents a variety of challenges and rewards as I explore the ...
A day in the life of a phage expert
Nicolás Cifuentes is Head of Research Projects and Phages at PhageLab, Chile, which offers tailor-made solutions to control bacterial outbreaks in the livestock and poultry industries.
