Food security
Millions of people are undernourished globally and with the population growing, food security is a major concern. Food security is multifaceted, requiring advancements in food safety, ensuring products have a good shelf life, reducing spoilage and providing dietary additions to improve the nutrient intake of the population. The application of microbiology is far reaching, and new approaches are required to maintain food security. Through an improved understanding of plant-microbe interactions, it is possible to forecast and mitigate food shortages.
News
Study uncovers porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus’s impact on swine immunity
Scientists used single-cell RNA analysis to reveal key immune mechanisms in lungs of swine infected with PRRSV. They found higher numbers of protective anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages (SPP1-CXCL14high) were observed in less virulent infections, suggesting a potential role in promoting lung healing.
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NewsScottish bio-tech company secures £3.4m investment
Scottish biotech engineering company uFraction8 has secured £3.4m in new investment following the completion of a funding round led by Foresight Group.
NewsFeed additives can reduce campylobacter in free-range broilers
Trials have demonstrated that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter in chickens, which could potentially lead to fewer campylobacter-associated foodborne diseases in humans.
NewsCoffee grounds and Reishi mushroom spores can be 3D printed into a compostable alternative to plastics
Researchers have developed a new system for turning coffee grounds into a paste, which is inoculated with Reishi mushroom spores to form a mycelial skin. The skin turns the coffee grounds into a resilient, fully compostable 3D printable alternative to plastics.
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News
Could microRNAs help us understand why different birds react differently to being infected with bird flu?
Since microRNA was found to have a role in cell protein production, a connection between microRNA and birds infected with bird flu has been found in ruddy turnstones, which has significance with respect to the spread of bird flu due to their long distance flights.
NewsUltrasound cleaning promotes phenolic synthesis in fresh-cut red cabbages
Not only can ultrasonic cleaning technology enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables and reduce microbial contamination on their surfaces but it can also serve as an abiotic stressor, inducing the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds.
NewsNo more antibiotics? Scientists pioneer a safer way to protect cultured meat
A new study explores the use of Random Antimicrobial Peptide Mixtures (RPMs) as a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics in cultured meat production. These synthetic peptide cocktails eliminate bacterial contamination without harming stem cell viability or contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Long ReadsAdvancing microbial research in the North East Indian Himalaya: a pathway to sustainable hill agriculture
While the North East (NE) Indian Himalaya are famous for their stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, the region faces numerous agricultural challenges that threaten environmental sustainability and food safety.
NewsKilling H5N1 in waste milk — an alternative to pasteurization
Researchers have found that acidification can kill H5N1 in waste milk, providing dairy farmers an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to pasteurization of waste milk.
NewsSmart bioprospecting needed to expand the search for climate-friendly microalgae
New research has highlighted microalgae’s capacity as a solution in the fight against climate change, but researchers warn that “smart microalgal bioprospecting” is needed to unlock its full potential.
NewsScientists harness microbiota as ally for predicting individual sensitivity to food additives
Researchers developed a human microbiota modelling system capable of predicting each person’s sensitivity to an emulsifier, using a simple stool sample, paving the way for a personalised nutrition approach based on the gut microbiota.
NewsGuarding our seafood: innovative strategies against Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Recent research presents a novel approach to managing the risks posed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a common yet hazardous foodborne pathogen in seafood, offering a comprehensive framework for monitoring and mitigating health risks.
NewsStudy tracks algae species interactions to help predict harmful algae blooms
A study yields new insights into how algae species interact with each other and their environment in coastal waters, aiming to understand how harmful algal species interact with other phytoplankton and environmental factors like temperature and salinity.
NewsResearchers take step towards creating Salmonella vaccine
A study of a new method to deliver a Salmonella vaccine found that when tested with real-world strains of Salmonella, the vaccine created antibodies against this microbe in the mice – which equips the animals with a defense mechanism against the pathogen.
NewsUsing sugars from peas speeds up sour beer brewing
Researchers have brewed new sour beers in less time using field peas. The experimental beers had fruity flavors and other attributes comparable to a commercial Belgian-style sour, but with shorter, simpler brewing steps.
NewsHow worried should we be about bird flu? An expert explains.
As U.S. health officials announce that a new strain of avian flu, H5N9, has been discovered on a duck farm in California, UC Berkeley School of Public Health’s John Swartzberg opens up on how much of a threat it poses.
NewsWe know what you ate: Detailed protein maps assess intestinal health
A new method has been designed to map the near-exact molecular details of the human and bacterial protein regulations within the host-gut microbiome interactions. These proteins could be used for medical and dietary intervention to maintain intestinal health.
NewsAfrica’s largest human microbiome study sheds light on gut diversity and health
The most extensive study of the gut microbiome in Africa has discovered new microbial species and never-before-reported metagenomes from several African sites.
NewsCultivation of microalga for food production shows that two-stage process yields best results
A new study looking into cultivating the microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica for food production shows that temperature and light are key factors in the yield of key nutrients.
NewsGene found in rough Salmonella Infantis variant offers drug target for variety of pathogens
A new study identifies a gene in a rough Salmonella Infantis variant that could offer a target for developing effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies, not only for Salmonella but other Enterobacteriaceae as well.
NewsMorpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China
A survey of saprobic fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China identified 39 hyphomycetous collections belonging to Dictyosporiaceae, Melanommataceae, and Stachybotryaceae, representing 19 distinct species.
NewsMicrobial solutions for boosting seaweed farming and carbon capture
A new study reveals how manipulating the microscopic life living on seaweed can contribute to developing industrial-scale seaweed farming and boost its potential for fighting climate change.
NewsFinal synthetic yeast chromosome unlocks new era in biotechnology
A team of researchers has successfully synthesised the very first yeast chromosome using specialised genome-editing technique that provides insights for synthetic biology and biomanufacturing fields.
