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
Urban fungi are showing signs of thermal adaptation
A new study finds that common fungal species may be adapting to higher temperatures in warmer sites within cities compared to cooler sites in the same city. The findings could signify that urban fungi could one day evolve into disease-causing pathogens.
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NewsUpwelling promotes N-fixing symbiont of Sargassum algae - giving it an edge
An international research team has uncovered the main mechanism behind the algae blooms of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. Identification of the climatic conditions that facilitate this phenomenon allows them to predict future stranding events of Sargassum.
NewsScientists uncover tuberculosis bacterium’s ’heartbeat’, opening door to new treatments
Scientists have identified a molecular system inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis that functions like the organism’s heart or lungs, keeping it alive. The system, known as PrrAB, helps the bacterium generate energy and breathe. When researchers used a gene-silencing tool, the bacterium died.
NewsAncient viral DNA shapes modern human placentas
Researchers have uncovered how ancient viral DNA controls a gene linked to placenta development and pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy disorder. The research could help identify pre-eclampsia risk much earlier.
More Early Career Research
News
CAROSEL offers new ‘spin’ on monitoring water quality in real time - and tracking harmful algal blooms
Researchers can continuously track the exchanges of different forms of nitrogen between bottom sediments and the overlying water. Their novel approach enables measuring how much ammonium (NH₄⁺) is released from sediments in real time, multiple times a day, over an extended period.
NewsNew approach expands possibilities for studying viruses in the environment
A new method vastly improves on the existing approach for single-cell genetic sequencing, enabling scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
NewsTiles, leaves and cotton strips offer practical, affordable method for measuring river health
With the aim of standardising methods for assessing river health and providing a simple, accessible guide for environmental management bodies, researchers analysed the performance of different materials that enable the decomposition processes and organic matter production to be measured.
NewsNovel technique reveals insights into soil microbe alarm clock
A new study yields clues about when dormant microscopic bacteria and fungi in soil ‘wake up’ and colonize roots, which influences plant growth and health.
NewsMyths about rapid spread of the Black Death influenced by single ‘literary tale’, experts show
Modern portrayals of the Black Death quickly moving across Asia, ravaging Silk Route communities, following the course of traders, have been incorrect because of centuries of misinterpretation of a rhyming fourteenth-century literary tale, experts have found.
NewsNew study reveals not all bats carry equal viral risk
A groundbreaking study sheds new light on the relationship between bats and dangerous viruses, showing that contrary to widespread assumptions, not all bats carry viruses with high epidemic potential, only specific groups of species.
NewsResearchers pinpoint target for treating virus that causes the stomach bug
Human astroviruses are a leading viral cause of the stomach bug, often leading to vicious cycles of sickness and malnutrition. New research reveals the strategy that the human astrovirus uses to enter the body.
NewsFats provide clues to life at its limits in the deep sea
Extreme conditions on the ocean floor include high pressures and salinities, as well as extreme pH values and a limited supply of nutrients. A team of researchers has now been able to detect microbial life in two newly discovered mud volcanoes with very high pH values.
NewsResearchers to investigate moisture-driven Antarctic ice sheet growth during past warm climates
Investigating how increased moisture transport to Antarctica, and under what temperatures and sea ice conditions moisture transport occurs, is required to understand the mechanisms that can lead to increased ice accumulation.
NewsNew study reveals how immune cells help defend against candida infections
New research shows that eosinophils, immune cells usually linked to allergies, also play a protective role against Candida infections by using the CD48 receptor to recognize the fungus and release proteins that stop its growth.
NewsLighting up life: scientists develop glowing sensors to track cellular changes as they happen
Researchers have engineered living cells to use a 21st amino acid that illuminates protein changes in real time, providing a new method for observing changes within cells. The technique is effective in bacteria, human cells and live tumor models, making it possible to study complex diseases like cancer more ethically.
CareersSummer studentship: Owen investigates how fungal hyphae interact with lung cells
Owen Nicholson reports back on his AMI-sponsored summer studentship which investigated the role of Piezo1 in the immune response during fungal invasion of the human lung at the University of East Anglia.
NewsAfter injuries, carpenter ants use amputation to stop potential infections from spreading
Carpenter ants are not squeamish when it comes to caring for the wounded. To minimise the risk of infection, the insects immediately amputate injured legs – thereby more than doubling their survival rate.
NewsDusty air is rewriting your lung microbiome
Dust from California’s drying Salton Sea doesn’t just smell bad. Scientists found that inhalation of airborne dust collected close to the shallow, landlocked lake alters both the microbial landscape and immune responses in mice that were otherwise healthy.
NewsImportant algal phenomenon discovered in the Arctic – could boost marine life
The shrinking sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is, overall, a disaster. But paradoxically, the melting of the ice can also fuel the engine of the Arctic food chains: algae. A new study indicates there will probably be more of it in the future than previously thought.
News’Footprint of Death’ gives new clues to cell life, spread of disease
Scientists at La Trobe University have discovered a previously unknown way viruses could spread around the body, potentially paving the way for more effective drug development.
NewsSurprising bacteria discovery links Hawaiʻi’s groundwater to the ocean
A new species of bacteria has been discovered off the coast of Oʻahu, shedding light on how unseen microbial life connects Hawaiʻi’s land and sea ecosystems.
NewsMiniature noses to help prevent infections and promote nasal health
To better understand how different bacteria interact with the lining of the human nose, researchers used a miniature model of the human nose to study how bacteria can live in nasal passages.
NewsGut microbiome affects alcohol preference by influencing brain’s reward system
A new study shows how an overgrowth of Candida albicans - overly abundant in people with alcohol use disorder - increases levels of inflammatory molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the desire for alcohol.