One health
Communicable diseases remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the numbers of individuals affected by disease between low-and-middle-income countries and those in developed nations. Microbes will play in important role in drug discovery: producing anticancer drugs and antimicrobials. Applying One Health principles, to understand the interaction of pathogens and the human host, development of diagnostics, treatments, and disease prevention, applied microbiologists can shape global health and wellbeing outcomes.
News
Fiber in whole wheat foods protects against gut inflammation in mice, study finds
Enriching the diet with wheat fiber protects mice against intestinal inflammation, according to a study. The finding helps explain why incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased, and suggests eating whole wheat foods may reduce one’s risk of developing it.
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NewsMedieval DNA reveals trans-Saharan connections, rapid genetic mixing, and leprosy in Islamic Ibiza
An international research team has revealed that the population of medieval Ibiza was remarkably diverse. One individual was found to be infected with Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy, marking the first genetically confirmed case from medieval Islamic Iberia.
NewsRNA-guided CRISPR system activates gene expression
In back-to-back studies, researchers report a naturally evolved gene-editing system that can activate genes, offering an advantage over existing CRISPR gene-editing systems that merely find and cut DNA.
NewsFirst Chagas disease conference on US soil highlights a turning point in national awareness
For the first time, a conference dedicated to Chagas disease research will be held on U.S. soil, marking a significant and symbolic moment for researchers, clinicians and public health leaders working to boost awareness of the disease in this country.
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News
Dramatic reduction in prescribing of hepatitis C antivirals may leave many curable patients untreated
A new study analyzed a large national prescription database to estimate hepatitis C treatment courses over time and trends by patient and prescriber characteristics from 2013–2025. Prescriptions rose rapidly after direct-acting antivirals first became available, peaking in 2015, but then declined sharply through 2025.
NewsDifferent plastics, different threats: Tracking antibiotic resistance on riverborne debris
While traditional plastics steadily accumulate antibiotic resistance genes over time, biodegradable plastics can trigger short-lived but intense spikes in pathogens and resistance during degradation.
NewsSimple antiseptic can reduce newborn infections
A new Cochrane review finds that chlorhexidine likely cuts umbilical cord infection rates by about 29% in low- and middle-income countries, and may reduce newborn deaths.
NewsWhy is vaccination for target populations plummeting in the UK? Share your insights!
As a group of leading UK health experts launches a new Commission on Access to Vaccines to understand why access levels are falling across the UK, Applied Microbiology International is calling on members to share their insights on childhood vaccinations.
NewsTracking bacteria’s protective armor could help find targeted vaccine targets
The first large-scale genetic study of E. coli’s protective armour has identified the five capsule types that are responsible for 70 per cent of all multidrug-resistant bloodstream infections in Europe.
NewsGenetic breakthrough uncovers evolutionary limits of the COVID-19 virus
A new paper indicates that while the COVID-19 virus has developed rapidly since 2019, it has done so within limited genetic channels. These genetic limits have remained unchanged.
NewsHPV vaccination uptake in adults shaped by knowledge and medical advice
A nationwide survey of HPV uptake in Switzerland found just over 27% of the approximately 3,850 adults aged 18 to 45 surveyed had received at least one dose of the vaccine. While nearly 59% of those aged 18 to 26 are vaccinated, the rate drops to around 16% among those aged 27 to 45.
NewsHealth experts from a new Commission call for a step change in vaccine access as coverage falls and potentially preventable outbreaks return
A group of leading UK health experts have today announced that they will be launching the Commission on Access to Vaccines to understand why access levels are falling across the UK and to recommend practical measures to reform vaccine delivery across the health system.
NewsSevere infections may raise dementia risk, study finds
A study finds that infections like cystitis and bacterial disease are linked to higher dementia risk independently of other coexisting conditions.
NewsScreening and preventive treatment program reduced tuberculosis incidence 83% among Tibetan children living in northern India
A study shows that significant reduction of tuberculosis (TB) transmission and burden (the total impact of health problems on a population) among schoolchildren in high-burden areas can be achieved using existing TB screening, treatment and follow-up protocols.
NewsAutoantibodies implicated as drivers of long COVID in new study
A new study shows that antibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice. This provides evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in Long Covid.
NewsCancer drug repurposed to treat drug-resistant herpes
Researchers have successfully repurposed an FDA-approved cancer drug, doxorubicin, to treat drug-resistant strains of herpes. A digital tool that combs through chemical compounds and flags those that may be effective against herpes infections, identified doxorubicin, a known anticancer drug.
NewsGlobal Virus Network awards education and training grants to advance next-generation virology research and pandemic preparedness
The Global Virus Network (GVN) today announced the recipients of $90,000 in 2025 Education and Training Grants, supporting emerging scientists and institutions advancing translational virology, genomic surveillance, data-driven preparedness, and global health equity.
NewsWHO recommends new diagnostic tools to help end TB
On World TB Day, WHO is urging countries to accelerate action to end tuberculosis (TB) and expand access to lifesaving services by using new innovations such as diagnostic tests that can be used near the point-of-care and tongue swabs that can help detect the disease faster.
NewsGut microbes help convert low-protein diets into fat-burning metabolic state
Researchers identify specific bacterial strains that trigger the formation of energy-burning “beige” fat in response to dietary protein restriction.
NewsNew research suggests HIV can be kept in check – without medication
An international study shows that a combination of two parts of the immune system – antibodies and T cells – can suppress HIV without lifelong medication.
NewsResearchers reveal m6A epigenetic modification controls arbovirus infection and transmission between vertebrates and mosquitoes
Researchers reveal that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epigenetic modifications in mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFs) enhance viral propagation in vertebrates and thus increase transmission from vertebrates to mosquitoes.
NewsMapping the hidden gene highways of wastewater biofilms
A new study uncovers the hidden microbial connections within wastewater biofilms by combining Hi-C sequencing with multi-omics to directly map which phages and plasmids are associated with which microbial hosts.
NewsHKU innovations achieve recognition at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions at Geneva
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) secured 46 awards at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, including recognition for a project aiming to gain immunity against the three major respiratory viruses through home-based toothbrushing.