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
Application of heavy-ion irradiation mutagenesis to improve the production efficiency of the antifungal drug micafungin
Scientists have used heavy-ion irradiation to improve efforts to produce the semisynthetic echinocandin antifungal agent micafungin which derives from fungal natural product FR901379 produced by Coleophoma empetri.
Read story
NewsMicrobial oxidation in glacial rivers and lakes could help mitigate methane emissions
A new study suggests microbes in glacial rivers and lakes may play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that recent studies have shown emerging as glaciers melt in warming global temperatures.
NewsYeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein
Researchers looking at yeast proteins as emulsifiers have found emulsifying proteins that can be easily freed from the yeast.
NewsStudy finds widening inequalities in child vaccination rates across England
Vaccine uptake was found to be consistently lower among children in areas of higher deprivation, while the number of children susceptible to measles at age 5 increased 20-fold in the most deprived areas.
More Economic Equality
News
‘Superman’ bacteria offer a sustainable boost to chemical production
A new study is focused on making industrial bacteria more robust and useful by reducing the energy, time, and unwanted chemicals required to maintain bacteria, while also making them reusable so they can work longer before needing to be replaced.
Study reveals how ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation
Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand radiation doses thousands of times higher than what would kill a human - and scientists have uncovered the secrets of the antioxidant that confers this protection.
New study highlights rise in severe Shigella infections among homeless patients in Vancouver
A recent study has uncovered an increase in severe multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella sonnei infections, particularly among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Vancouver, Canada.
Fungal structures could be deployed in aerospace industry
Manufacturing a material that mimics mushrooms and other fungal structures could provide opportunities in any number of areas, ranging from aerospace engineering to clothing production.
Natural saclipins in cyanobacteria offer hope of combating skin aging
A new study reveals that saclipins, derived from edible cyanobacterium, enhance collagen and support skin whitening and anti-aging.
Simple COVID-19 vaccine can be stored at room temperature and administered as a nasal spray
Researchers have developed an effective, inexpensive, and simple COVID-19 vaccine that can be stored at room temperature and administered as a nasal spray.
Building roots in glass, a bio-inspired approach to creating 3D microvascular networks using plants and fungi
Researchers have developed a new and convenient technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks, using plants and fungi which grew their roots into a ‘soil’ medium of nanoparticles of glass (silica) and a cellulose based binding agent.
Understanding neonatal infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries
Researchers have conducted an in-depth study on the epidemic status, secular trends, and risk factors of 15 common neonatal infectious diseases across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 1990 to 2019.
Funding boost to bring engineering biology technologies to market
Part of a £2.8 million UKRI seed corn fund has been awarded to the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products and technologies, with comprehensive support and resources for researchers.
Scientists successfully produce microbial plastic to replace PET bottles
A research team has succeeded in developing a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic polyester monomer to replace polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using systems metabolic engineering.
New study links historical redlining to delays in HIV treatment
A new study finds that historical race-based lending practices are still impacting health in the US today, linking these discriminatory policies to delays in effective HIV treatment within affected neighborhoods.
Innovative culture method aerates microbes in static liquid medium without shaking
Culturing is a basic yet indispensable method in microbiology research. Microorganisms are often cultured in a liquid medium that provides essential nutrients, and this process is both simple and highly effective.
Men who have sex with men in Europe still vulnerable to hepatitis A and B
Research analysing European survey data from 113,884 men who have sex with men (MSM) indicates that while most MSM have a basic understanding of viral hepatitis, only 44% report having been vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B.
Applied Microbiology International to host free webinar for LGBTQIA+ researchers in microbiology
Applied Microbiology International has announced the speaker line-up for a free webinar later this month aimed at connecting, inspiring, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ researchers in microbiology.
Materials of the future can be extracted from wastewater
Researchers are revolutionizing what biomass from wastewater treatment plants can be used for. Biopolymers from bacteria can be a sustainable alternative to oil-based products, and phosphorus and other minerals can also be harvested.
Europe’s first ever conference for minoritised life scientists set for Spring 2025
A unique group of life science professionals and advocates has come together to launch the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum, the first major conference in Europe dedicated to supporting and showcasing the contributions of marginalised and underrepresented communities in the life sciences.
Researchers uncover unique photosynthetic mechanisms of purple bacteria
Using cutting-edge techniques, investigators have unveiled intricate detailed images of the key photosynthetic protein complexes of purple bacteria. These images shed new light on how these microorganisms harness solar energy.
Study probes disparities in hepatitis C care for reproductive-aged women to break cycle of viral transmission
Researchers and clinicians are working to minimize racial and ethnic disparities in hepatitis C testing and treatment for women with opioid use disorder and their children through innovative programs.
Super-strong bacterial cellulose macrofibers made simple with TAT technique
Researchers have engineered a novel method to create high-performance macrofibers with enhanced mechanical properties and humidity response.
