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
Scientists synthesize a promising mushroom-derived compound
Researchers have successfully developed the first method to synthesize inaoside A, a compound derived from the edible mushroom Laetiporus cremeiporus.
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NewsBioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes
Researchers isolated a strain of Pseudomonas alcaligenes that can withstand temperatures as high as 44 °C from a hot spring in Chile, and characterized the substances produced by the bacterium that help it survive extreme conditions.
NewsResearchers team with dogs to discover new truffle species
Researchers have discovered two new species of truffle. Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the ‘dog-found’ truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found.
NewsUprooting Cassava Disease: scientists identify causes of two devastating diseases
In a series of studies, researchers have established the pathogens and the first diagnostic tests for two diseases: Cassava Frogskin Disease and Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease.
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Review offers guidance to clinicians on animal-borne infections in the Canadian Arctic
A new review on zoonotic infections in the Canadian Arctic provides timely guidance to clinicians as the region experiences heightened global interest as well as climate change, which threatens the region and increases risk of disease transmission.
NewsBiorefinery innovation: Transforming waste into high-value products
A new study showcases a cutting-edge biorefinery capable of converting sewage sludge and food waste into valuable volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The research evaluates the environmental impact of this biorefinery, located in Galicia, Spain.
NewsChickpea and pea tempeh under development as new plant-based protein foods
New research focuses on fermenting dry chickpeas and dry peas to create a new type of tempeh, traditionally made with soybeans. Preliminary research suggests meat alternatives may help offset the health risks of the Western diet.
NewsBacterial toxin offers hope to tackle soybean nematode pest
A new study reveals how genetically equipping soybean plants with bacterial toxin Cry14 could revolutionize the fight against the microscopic soybean cyst nematode. This approach has been implemented successfully to prevent SCN from feeding on soybean roots.
NewsResearch aims for better control of widespread tomato spotted wilt virus
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have received two grants to develop better control and understanding of tomato spotted wilt virus, one of the top 10 most economically important plant viruses in the world.
NewsStudy reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species
A new study has lifted the lid on five species of root-lesion nematodes living in maize crops across New Zealand - and suggested the existence of a hitherto-unsuspected cryptic species.
NewsBlueberries beware: Powdery mildew spreading across the globe
A new study pinpoints the worldwide spread of a fungus that taints blueberry plants with powdery mildew, a disease that reduces blueberry yield and encourages the use of fungicides to combat disease spread.
NewsScientists uncover key step in how diazotrophs ‘fix’ nitrogen
There are only two ways of fixing nitrogen, one industrial and one biological. To better understand a key component of the biological process, researchers took a multi-pronged approach.
NewsAgricultural scientists call for removal of more than 120 ‘phantom agents’ from pathogen regulatory lists
Wiping “phantom agents” from a list of suspected plant pathogens would improve agricultural efficiency and food security by updating regulations on international shipment of pathogen-free plant materials destined for countries where they are needed.
CareersLetters in Applied Microbiology: Racheal reflects on a year in the junior editor programme
One year into our first junior editor training programme with Letters in Applied Microbiology, Racheal Oluwayemisi Fashogbon reveals how signing up has helped to transform her career.
NewsSmall milk fat globules promote good bacteria, study reveals
A study reveals that the structure of milk fat globules, rather than their chemical composition, plays a key role in their interactions with bacteria. Small globules promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, while larger ones trigger biofilm formation.
NewsDual activation of soybean resistance against Phytophthora sojae by pectin lyase and degraded pectin oligosaccharides
A study elucidates the mechanism by which pectin lyase, secreted by Phytophthora sojae activates plant immunity, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for further exploration of the role of pectinase in pathogen-plant interactions.
FeaturesNature’s pesticides: unleashing the potential of microbial interactions
Discover how scientists leverage knowledge of the microbial interactions that impact plant and animal health.
NewsCheese starter cultures yield insights into history of domestication of bacteria
A new study shows that the bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication.
NewsScientists lift lid on Salmonella dry surface biofilm
Food scientists have revealed key characteristics of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella dry surface biofilm (DSB), a previously overlooked type of biofilm that commonly exists in dry food processing environments.
NewsFlu virus remains infectious in refrigerated raw milk
Influenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, a new study reveals. The findings come at a time when outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic.
NewsResearchers develop model to evaluate food safety control strategies for produce industry
You’ve probably heard of product recalls involving lettuce, spinach, or other leafy greens. Consuming these popular vegetables are among the main causes of food poisoning, affecting thousands of people every year. Leafy greens can become contaminated with pathogenic E. coli or other bacteria through splashes of soil or contaminated irrigation ...
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.
NewsMore attention should be paid to the health of deep soil in low-yield farmland
A recent study identified that a higher soil health index in low-yielding fields may be an important factor to maintain wheat yield as food demand grows rapidly.
