Economic Equality
Across the globe there are huge disparities in access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and economic resources, with the UN estimating over 98 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. It is vital for microbial research to identify those areas which actively maintain cycles of poverty and disparity. In recognising the interconnected nature of human financial systems and environmental health, microbial research can be a leader in working toward Economic Equality.
News
Synthetic lichen points a pathway to self-healing concrete
Addressing one of the most persistent and expensive problems in construction, scientists have taken inspiration from nature to develop a synthetic lichen system to enable concrete to self-repair.
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NewsElectricity-generating bacteria may power future innovations
Scientists have discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings instead of breathing on oxygen.
NewsConsumption of ultra-processed foods by children up to one year old favors harmful bacteria in the gut
Analysis of the gut microbiota of more than 700 babies also showed that breastfeeding was a protective factor, mitigating the problem in those who consumed industrialized products. The study underscores the importance of breastfeeding.
NewsEuropean Immunization Week 2025: Inequalities in immunisation against measles could contribute to outbreaks
Research reveals inequalities in MMR vaccination that may contribute to measles outbreaks and epidemics, emphasising the importance of socioeconomic and demographic data in driving public health efforts.
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Living fungus-based building material repairs itself for over a month
Engineers have developed a building material that uses the root-like mycelium of a fungus and bacteria cells. They show that it is capable of self-repairing and could eventually offer a sustainable alternative for high-emission building materials like concrete.
Investing in COVID-19 vaccination more than paid off for U.S., study finds
The US national Covid-19 vaccine strategy more than paid for itself after just one year, according to a new study. Because the vaccines reduced how many people developed serious illness or died, the nation saved more money than it spent.
AFYREN strengthens its Executive Committee with appointment of Laurent Pou as Industrial Director
AFYREN, a greentech company offering manufacturers biobased, low-carbon ingredients through a unique fermentation technology based on a circular model, has announced the appointment of Laurent Pou as Industrial Director.
Dietary shift after migration increases cardiovascular risk by altering the gut microbiome
An Amsterdam UMC-led study has found that migrants, this case from West Africa to Europe, experience a ‘clear change’ in their microbiome composition as compared to their non-migrant peers in West Africa, which expose them to an increase of cardiovascular disease.
Almost 500 delegates gather in Birmingham for Europe’s first Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum
Almost 500 delegates gathered at the ICC in Birmingham over three days this week for the first ever Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum, which was supported by Applied Microbiology International.
Bacteria deployed to fix cracks in space bricks
Researchers have developed a bacteria-based technique to repair bricks that can be used to build lunar habitats, if they get damaged in the moon’s harsh environment.
FAU secures $1.3 million NIH grant for breakthrough in HIV self-test technology
To address the urgent need for a reliable, rapid and affordable self-test for early HIV detection, researchers have been awarded phase-II of a five-year, $1.3 million grant which will support the development of an innovative disposable microchip technology designed for HIV-1 self-testing during the first two weeks post-infection.
Scientists devise comprehensive resource on microbial cell factories for sustainable chemical production
Scientists evaluated the production capabilities of various industrial microbial cell factories using in silico simulations and, based on these findings, identified the most suitable microbial strains for producing specific chemicals as well as optimal metabolic engineering strategies.
Microbiologists must seize the day - and make their mark on policy
Microbiologists need to seize opportunities to engage with policymaking in order to move towards better, more scientifically informed policy that serves the common good, a new paper published in Sustainable Microbiology urges.
Proposed cuts to foreign aid could result in millions of HIV deaths, new modelling study estimates
New modelling analysis suggests that proposed funding cuts by major donor countries to foreign aid could undo decades of progress made to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat and new infections and deaths could surge back to levels not seen since the early 2000s.
Hepatitis B: new rapid diagnostic test to halt mother-to-child transmission
Scientists have assessed a new rapid diagnostic test to identify pregnant women at elevated risk of transmitting hepatitis B to their babies. This diagnostic tool could help eliminate hepatitis B by preventing mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
Biogenic construction: The new era of civil engineering
Inspired by the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, a new concept, biogenic construction, for civil engineering is proposed in a new paper.
From pollution to polymer: Methane-munching microbe brews biodegradable plastic at high speed
Scientists have tapped into a methane-consuming bacterium, Methylocystis suflitae, to produce biodegradable plastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offering a dual win for climate and sustainability.
WHO calls for urgent action to address worldwide disruptions in tuberculosis services
Since World Tuberculosis Day is only days away, World Health Organization addresses the current challenges faced by countries in TB responses. They urgently call for an united global effort to combat the deadly disease and safeguard the public health from the devastating consequences.
Long COVID could be causing huge economic burden annually
Behind the healthcare burden from long COVID, a study has also uncovered the economic burden of those who are more likely to suffer from long COVID through a computer simulation model of long COVID probabilities and the accompanied productivity loss.
Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN) named as winner of Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024
The Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN), founded by Daniel Similaki, has been named as this year’s winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024.
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.
Clove oil yields new Pickering emulsion formulation with enhanced antibacterial properties
Researchers developed a sustainable Pickering emulsion using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), promising solid particles for food applications, derived from clove essential oil residue. They found that CQDs with 40% ethanol demonstrated the highest emulsifying efficacy.
New study links sleep debt and night shifts to increased infection risk among nurses
A new study examining the effects of sleep patterns and shift work on the immune system has found that sleep debt and night shifts increase the risk of several common infections in nurses.