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.
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Scientists develop an efficient method of producing proteins from E. coli
Proteins sourced from microorganisms are attracting attention for their potential in biomanufacturing a variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes, and diagnostic antibodies. These proteins can also be used for converting resources into biofuels and bioplastics, which could serve as viable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and products.
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NewsStudy identifies viral combinations that heighten risk of severe respiratory illnesses in infants
A new study has revealed that, while a wide range of viruses can cause lower respiratory tract illnesses (LRIs) in infants, certain viruses and viral combinations dramatically increase the risk of severe disease.
NewsGroundbreaking new projects launched to lower the cost of monoclonal antibody production
LifeArc and the Gates Foundation have awarded more than $5m to seven projects aimed at developing cheaper and more efficient ways to produce monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments. The innovative approaches include using filamentous fungus to produce mAbs.
NewsMaking yeast more efficient ‘cell factories’ for producing valuable plant compounds
Researchers have discovered a new way to make yeast cells more efficient “factories” for producing valuable plant compounds. By studying a plant membrane protein called AtMSBP1, they uncovered a mechanism that helps yeast cells better support plant cytochrome P450 enzymes.
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Bacteria deliver synthetic, animal-free way to grow organoids in 3D
Researchers have developed a completely animal-free gel to grow organoids, miniature three dimensional versions of organs. By combining the bacterial protein invasin with a synthetic gel, they created an environment in which organoids can grow and expand long-term.
Report explores health, economic, and societal benefits of vaccination
A new report provides evidence on the advantages of immunization for individual and population health, economic outcomes, and societal well-being. Studies show that every $1 spent on childhood vaccines saves about $11 in avoided medical costs and preserved productivity.
Global platform for pandemic preparedness to be established at DTU National Food Institute
A new global online infrastructure aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics. DTU National Food Institute in Denmark will serve as the focal point for the new infrastructure. Work to build the platform will begin on 1 January 2026.
Engineers solve the sticky-cell problem in bioreactors and other industries
Their system uses electrochemically generated bubbles to detach cells from surfaces, which could accelerate the growth of carbon-absorbing algae and lifesaving cell therapies.
Sulfated yeast could help recover rare earth metals from waste liquids
Electronics, optical fibers, and superconducting materials heavily rely on rare earth metals, but innovative recycling solutions are lacking. Now researchers in Japan have successfully achieved selective recovery of metals with S-yeast, a sulfated yeast.
1000-litre ‘corn-to-carrier’ demo turns stover into 10.6 g L⁻¹ microbial lipids
Researchers have shown that last autumn’s corn stalks can be transformed into a palm-oil-like fat suitable for aviation biofuel or cosmetics without the energy-guzzling steps that have kept lignocellulosic biorefineries on the drawing board.
All-in-one POM-based nanoreactor with oxidase-like activity for versatile detection and antibacterial action
A research team has developed a novel nanoreactor that enables dual-mode biomarker detection and effective antibacterial treatment.
Compound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
A bioactive compound produced by the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis, found on Deception Island in Antarctica, has properties that qualify it for use in producing food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials.
Scientists unbolt gateway to sharper CRISPR gene editing
Identifying the passwords for a certain CRISPR tool is a major stumbling block in discovering and characterising the CRISPR tool - but a team of scientists has cracked the code.
Researchers developing new easy-to-use viral biosensor test, giving patients more accurate and immediate results
An interdisciplinary team of researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect HIV & Hepatitis B and C simultaneously, that may be used in resource-limited settings. With quicker and more accessible results, the test has potential to save lives.
Revolutionizing bioplastics: a microbial platform for fully bio-based long-chain polyesters
Researchers have developed a scalable, end-to-end microbial process transforming plant oils into sustainable polyesters comparable to petroleum-based plastics.
From glucose to gourmet: engineered bacteria churn out key food additive
Researchers used E. coli as the chassis to produce inosinic acid (IMP), a popular umami enhancer. By reprogramming the metabolic flux network of E. coli and introducing amino acid mutations in the key enzymes in the synthesis pathway, the yield was significantly increased.
Chemobiological platform enables renewable conversion of sugars into core aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum
Researchers have developed a chemobiological platform that converts renewable carbon sources such as glucose and glycerol into oxygenated precursors, which are deoxygenated in the same solvent system to yield benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene (BTEX).
Little-known strep bacteria behind growing number of severe infections
An under-recognised strep bacterium is causing a growing number of serious infections in Australia, with First Nations Australians disproportionately affected, according to new research.
Yeast proteins reveal the secrets of drought resistance
A new study in Cell Systems helps explain how organisms can come back from desiccation (the removal of water or moisture) while others fail by looking at the cell’s proteins. In the first survey of its kind, a team of researchers profiled thousands of proteins at once for their ability to survive dehydration and rehydration.
Increase in cell volume and nuclear number of the Koji fungus enhances enzyme production capacity
This study revealed cellular traits of the koji fungus Aspergillus oryzae linked to enzyme production through cell biological analysis. The authors found that, over time in culture, hyphae thicken, resulting in a tenfold increase in cell volume. Simultaneously, the number of nuclei per hyphal cell also rises tenfold, exceeding 200.
Scientists develop rapid and scalable platform for in planta directed evolution
Researchers have developed a new system that enables rapid and scalable directed evolution of diverse genes directly in plant cells. To address the challenge of slow cell division rate in plants, the researchers harnessed geminiviruses.
Could a fungus provide a blueprint for next-gen hydrogels?
New research finds one fungal species, Marquandomyces marquandii, shows promise as a potential building block for new biomedical materials. It can grow into hydrogels, materials that hold lots of water and mimic the softness and flexibility of human tissues.
Engineers use bacterial nanowires to create first artificial neurons that could directly communicate with living cells
Engineers have created an artificial neuron with electrical functions that closely mirror those of biological ones. Using protein nanowires synthesized from electricity-generating bacteria, the discovery could herald immensely efficient computers built on biological principles.