Young Innovators & Early Career Research
Early career research is crucial for science, and in delivering applied microbiology to the world. This page is focused on showcasing innovations and research from early career researchers across the globe and provides a hub for the latest news, opinions, careers advice and research for early career scientists. Discover how interdisciplinary colleagues from around the world are making advancements in, and through, applied microbiology.
News
Tadpoles try to flee dangerous virus in their pond by growing much faster than normal
A new study shows that larvae of wood frogs respond to the presence of a deadly ranavirus by growing and maturing precociously. In response to ranavirus, tadpoles change their growth, development, and resource allocation, which may help them tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection.
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NewsC. diff uses toxic compound to fuel growth advantage
The pathogen C. diff — the most common cause of health care-associated infectious diarrhea — can use a compound that kills the human gut’s resident microbes to survive and grow, giving it a competitive advantage in the infected gut.
NewsSusceptibility to bovine TB in cattle traced to key genes
A new study identifying genetic factors contributing to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) susceptibility has found several key genes and pathways involved in the bovine response to Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of the disease in cattle.
NewsResearchers test new, more reliable method to detect chagas disease
Researchers have successfully tested a faster, more sensitive and reliable way to diagnose Chagas disease, a debilitating parasitic illness that affects approximately 6 million people worldwide.
More Early Career Research
News
Guardians of the vineyard: Canines and chemistry work to combat powdery mildew
Researchers are now analyzing volatile chemicals emanating from grape leaves infected by a fungus called powdery mildew with the goal of improving training for vineyard canines that use their noses to detect infected vines.
NewsStudy identifies viruses in red tide blooms for the first time
A new study identifies viruses associated with Karenia brevis, the single-celled organism that causes red tide. By testing water samples collected from red tide blooms, the researchers found several viruses in blooms — including one new viral species.
NewsRed coral colonies survive a decade after being transplanted in the Medes Islands
The red coral colonies that were transplanted a decade ago on the seabed of the Medes Islands have survived successfully. They are very similar to the original communities and have contributed to the recovery of the functioning of the coral reef.
NewsFirst coronavirus similar to MERS is found in bats in South America
A novel coronavirus, which shares high genetic similarities with MERS-CoV, was identified in bats in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Experiments to find out whether it can infect humans are set to take place in collaboration with Hong Kong University.
NewsRestoring vegetation cover in Amazon's pasture areas can reduce methane emissions, study reveals
Proper pasture management in the Amazon, aimed at maintaining soil vegetation cover, can reduce methane emissions from livestock farming, according to a new study analyzing emissions and microorganisms in Amazonian soil.
NewsIntranasal herpes infection may produce neurobehavioral symptoms, study finds
A new study finds that herpes infection through the nose can lead to anxiety, motor impairment and cognitive issues. The research is the first to show that, by exploiting a cellular enzyme, the virus can produce behavioral symptoms.
NewsResearch team publishes paradigm-challenging discovery in a Yellowstone thermophile
A graduating PhD student has made an interesting discovery about a common thermophilic bacteria dwelling in hots prings which is able to simultaneously respirate and metabolize via aerobic and anaerobic pathways.
NewsAntimicrobial resistance in soil bacteria without the use of antibiotics
Overuse of antibiotics is currently the primary reason for the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but researchers have shown that AMR can be found in soil bacterial communities due to microbial interactions too, driven by a species of predatory bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NewsProactively exposing ecosystems to mild environmental stressors appears to offer protection
Mild, proactive exposure to environmental stress can help biological communities resist severe disturbances and maintain genetic diversity, a recent study has found.
NewsNew COVID-flu vaccine platform could provide broad, lasting protection
Researchers have developed a new vaccine platform that could provide more robust, longer-lasting protection from both COVID-19 and influenza, and broader immunity to different flu strains.
CareersMy PhD Experience: Collaborations between academia and industry in the microbial bioremediation of marine oil pollution
Jake A Smallbone reveals how a industry collaboration as part of his PhD led to work on a real world oil spill to uncover the fascinating ways that bacterial communities respond to pollution and can be deployed as biomarkers and in bioremediation.
NewsResearchers develop enhanced method for wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance
To better monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, researchers have developed a CRISPR-enriched metagenomics method for the enhanced surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes, ARGs, in wastewater.
NewsDiscovery of a common ‘weapon’ used by disease-causing fungi could help engineer more resilient food crops
The discovery of a powerful “weapon” used by many disease-causing fungi to infect and destroy major food crop staples, such as rice and corn, could offer new strategies to bolster global food security
NewsNew method developed to dramatically enhance bioelectronic sensors
In a breakthrough that could transform bioelectronic sensing, researchers have developed a new method to dramatically enhance the sensitivity of enzymatic and microbial fuel cells using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).
NewsHeat-stressed reefs may benefit from coral-dwelling crabs
A species of branching coral is able to recover from heat stress and wounds due to its mutualistic relationship with crabs in the Great Barrier Reef Corals, a new study shows. This evolutionary partnership will inspire coral reef restoration strategies in the future.