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
Holy Grail: One vaccine may provide broad protection against many respiratory infections and allergens
In a new study in mice, researchers have developed a universal vaccine formula that protects against a wide range of respiratory viruses, bacteria and even allergens.
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NewsNew review points to faster, safer vaccine development
A new review examines viral mimic systems that reproduce key features of dangerous pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, without the ability to replicate or cause disease. These systems allow researchers to study infection safely, quickly, and in a wider range of laboratories.
NewsResearchers discover how tuberculosis bacteria use a “stealth” mechanism to evade the immune system
New research reveals that mycobacteria release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that fuse with the membranes of immune cells. These vesicles contain specialized lipids—fatty molecules—that make the cell membrane more rigid.
NewsPrenatal infection increases risk of heavy drinking later in life
Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new study shows.
More Early Career Research
News
Missing microbes in UK infant gut and probiotics highlighted by global microbiome atlas
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria in infants around the world has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut and not found in commercial probiotic products. It lays the foundation for more effective, tailored infant probiotics.
NewsInvasive death cap mushrooms are changing their chemistry
Scientists have just published new research about the chemistry of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) - the species is not only spreading rapidly as an invasive fungal species in the United States, but the move across continents has changed the chemistry of the species.
NewsNovel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared the harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile in an animal model of infection. An experimental vaccine administered to the mucosal lining of the colon protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence.
NewsMacrophage immune cells need constant reminders to retain memories of prior infections
Researchers have discovered that immune cells known as macrophages remain poised to fight repeat infections due to the persistent presence of signaling molecules left behind during previous infections.
NewsHow bacteria may promote breast cancer
Researchers have discovered how certain pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development and progression by hijacking a key metabolic enzyme known as spermine oxidase (SMOX).
NewsScientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus
Using mice with human antibody genes, scientists have developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent two key antigens on the surface of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) from binding to and entering human immune cells.
CareersSummer 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.
NewsRhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria
Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The compounds, orsellinic acid-derived meroterpenoids, are produced by Rhododendron species.
NewsImmunity against common virus leveraged against pancreatic cancer
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer. The approach leverages the body’s natural immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common but typically harmless virus that most people are infected with at some point in their lives.
NewsProposals for exploring viruses and skin as the next experimental quantum frontiers share US$30,000 science award
Viruses exist at the boundary between living and non-living matter, while skin is a living interface between physics and biology, making them perfect—but until now overlooked—arenas for testing the interplay between quantum physics, biology and life.
NewsAvian malaria widespread across Hawaiʻi bird communities, new study finds
A new study shows that avian malaria can be transmitted by nearly all forest bird species in Hawaiʻi, helping explain why the disease is present almost everywhere mosquitoes are found across the islands.
NewsBacterial hitchhikers can give their hosts super strength
Molecular hitchhikers living within bacteria can make their hosts extra resistant to medical treatment by corralling them into tightly packed groups. The study introduces a previously unknown avenue through which bacterial infections can become more difficult to treat.
NewsTexas-grown cabbage meets global tradition in kimchi research
Researchers are turning Texan produce into kimchi as part of a study that links fermentation science, food safety and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers. The research examines how Texas-grown cabbage and other leafy greens perform during kimchi fermentation.
NewsBee bandits: ecologists study mutualistic plant-pollinator-microbe interactions
Researchers studying nectar-robbing behavior in bumble bees suspect other organisms beyond plants and pollinators may be aiding and abetting pollinators in nectar-robbing behavior.
NewsResearchers discover that vaginal bacteria don’t always behave the same way
By analyzing vaginal microbiome data at unprecedented resolution, researchers have identified 25 distinct vaginal microbiome types and demonstrated that bacteria of the same species can differ substantially in their functional potential, thereby affecting how these microbes interact with the body.
NewsLarge-scale study analyses the impact of climate on Legionnaires’ disease in Catalonia
A study has analysed the relationship between climatic conditions, the presence of Legionella in water systems and cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Catalonia. The link between these different factors highlights the need to adapt prevention and surveillance strategies in the context of climate change.
NewsFrom ambassadorship to action: Leading a national scientific writing and publishing workshop in the UK
Medical Microbiologist and Antimicrobial Resistance Researcher Dr. Oluwole Owoyemi, ASM Young Ambassador to the UK, reveals why he designed a scientific writing and publishing workshop for early career scientists - and how it went.
NewsOysters play unexpected role in protecting blue crabs from disease
Oysters famously filter their surrounding water, but it turns out they are removing more than algae and excess nutrients. New research shows they can also reduce the spread of disease in nearby marine species, including Chesapeake Bay’s prized blue crabs.
NewsNew study reveals a minimalist bacterial defense that disrupts viral assembly
Researchers describe how a single protein named Rip1 recognizes bacteriophages, the viruses that infect bacteria, and cause infected bacteria to die prematurely, thereby ending the chain of transmission.