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
Ship sliming study could enable lower costs and emissions in ocean transport
A model was recently developed to find out the correlation between the speed and extent of biofilm growth and the shear stress of the ship hull. Thus, it helps save fuel consumption by preventing fluid friction from slime fouling.
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NewsBacteria in polymers form cables that grow into living gels
Scientists have discovered that bacterial cells growing in a solution of polymers, such as mucus, form long cables that buckle and twist on each other, building a kind of “living Jell-O.”
NewsExtreme rain heightens E. coli risks for communities of color in Texas
New research shows that communities of color in Texas face pronounced risks of E. coli exposure in nearby waters following storms that dump abnormally high amounts of rain.
NewsResearchers team with dogs to discover new truffle species
Researchers have discovered two new species of truffle. Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the ‘dog-found’ truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found.
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News
Gene-edited soil bacteria could provide third source of nitrogen for corn production
If corn was ever jealous of soybean’s relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, advancements in gene editing could one day even the playing field. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from the air during early corn ...
NewsApplied Microbiology International launches 2025 Grant Portfolio
Applied Microbiology International has launched a call for applications after announcing its 2025 Grant Portfolio.
NewsChain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodies
Scientists have discovered that repetitive HIV vaccinations can lead the body to produce antibodies targeting the immune complexes already bound to the virus—knowledge that could lead to better vaccines.
NewsStudy identifies ventilation strategies to prevent super-spreader events aboard cruise ships
New research emphasises the importance of targeted ventilation strategies to reduce disease transmission risk on cruise ships, with crowded dining spaces identified as priority areas for improved air circulation.
NewsBeach guardians: How hidden microbes protect coastal waters in a changing climate
Coastal water quality is closely impacted by the microbial compositions living in groundwater within beach sands due to the rising sea level, a new study reveals.
NewsNew computer models open door to far more targeted antibiotics
A powerful computer-modelling approach has been developed to give the antibiotics a laser-like precision for targeting specific types of bacteria among specific parts of the human body.
NewsStudy of hemp microbiomes may lead to more sustainable farming methods
A new study of hemp microbes may help scientists create special mixtures of helpful microbes to make hemp plants produce more CBD or have better-quality fibers.
NewsMicrobial cell factories may help get to the root of understudied plant molecules
A team of researchers has developed a method to produce a special class of plant hormones, known as strigolactones, at unprecedented levels using microbial cell factories.
NewsWrong place, wrong time: Why Zika virus hijacks a protein needed for brain growth
A new study shows that the Zika virus hijacks a host protein called ANKLE2, which is important for brain development, to assist its own reproduction. Because Zika can cross the placenta, this can have disastrous consequences in pregnancy.
NewsPet dogs often overlooked as spreader of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella
Household dogs are an overlooked transmission point for zoonotic pathogens such as nontyphoidal Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, with some infections potentially having life-threatening complications.
NewsResearchers uncover control mechanisms of polysaccharide utilization in gut bacterium
Polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) complexes enable bacteria to bind, break down, and import specific polysaccharides, contributing to successful gut colonization. A new study explores how PULs are regulated post-transcriptionally to adapt to environmental changes.
NewsSmall antibody offers broad protection against influenza
Researchers have discovered an antibody-like molecule that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The findings could pave the way for new treatments and the development of broader influenza vaccines.
NewsScientists uncover key step in how diazotrophs ‘fix’ nitrogen
There are only two ways of fixing nitrogen, one industrial and one biological. To better understand a key component of the biological process, researchers took a multi-pronged approach.
NewsFecal transplantation offers new hope for diabetes patients with severe gastrointestinal issues
A newly published study shows that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) – a method where gut bacteria from healthy donors are transferred to patients – can be a safe and effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes and gastroenteropathy.
NewsBacteria produce molecules that help viruses infect competing bacteria
In a new study, researchers have discovered a new way that bacteria can kill their competitors in complex microbial communities, revealing novel approaches to leverage viruses to kill harmful bacteria.
NewsResearchers undercover how macronucleophagy ensures survival in nitrogen-starved yeast
Scientists sought to shed light on how macronucleophagy ensures the survival of nitrogen-starved S. cerevisiae and revealed that uncontrolled micronucleophagy due to the lack of normal macronucleophagy causes cell death.
NewsStudy uncovers previously unknown bacterial mode of resistance against viruses
Researchers have discovered a unique mechanism that protects marine bacteria from viruses that attack them.
NewsCompound derived from Brazilian plant acts against parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis
A compound derived from Nectandra leucantha, a tree native to southern Brazil (local names canela-seca or canela-branca), has the potential to be used to treat visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease.
NewsOvercoming resistance: McMaster researchers find new utility for old antibiotics
In a recent study, researchers found that zinc plays a vital role in how some of the world’s most dangerous bacteria resist antibiotics.
