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
Scientists uncover mechanism used by three bacteria-killing viruses to target transporter
Biochemists have homed in on an underexplored small transporter called MurJ that is a vital part of the pathway bacteria use to build their chain-mail-like cell wall. Using advanced tools, the scientists have determined the common mechanism used by three different bacteria-killing viruses to block MurJ from doing its job.
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NewsScientists identify endangered natural pharmacy hidden in coral reefs
The magnitude of the potential loss of the “natural pharmacy” found in the coral microbiome is demonstrated by a new study which identified new microbial species in corals which have the ability to produce novel substances.
NewsDiffering immune responses in infants may explain increased severity of RSV over SARS-CoV-2
Reseachers report that the two respiratory viruses trigger different immune responses. Those differences might explain why these two diseases have different clinical outcomes and require different treatment strategies.
NewsEmerging class of antibiotics to tackle global tuberculosis crisis
Researchers investigated how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds – ecumicin, ilamycin and cyclomarin – act on a vital protein degradation machine inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB.
More One Health
News
HPV vaccination provides “sustained protection” against cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is associated with a significantly reduced risk of invasive cervical cancer, with no indication of waning protection up to 18 years after vaccination, finds a study.
NewsVaccine uptake: Why conspiracy theories can be so irresistible
New research has found that understanding how someone processes information can be a strong predictor of whether they are drawn to conspiracy beliefs that can influence vaccine uptake, trust in institutions and responses to emergencies.
NewsHidden architecture inside cellular droplets reveals new targets for cancer and neurodegeneration
Cells rely on biomolecular condensates to coordinate essential biological processes without surrounding membranes. Scientists long assumed condensates lacked internal organization and functioned as a simple liquid, but a new study has discovered that some are built from intricate networks of thread-like protein filaments.
NewsSingle daily pill shows promise as replacement for complex, multi-tablet HIV treatment regimens
A phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a new, daily oral tablet that combines two current HIV treatment medications – bictegravir and lenacapavir (BIC/LEN) – may simplify treatment significantly for people with HIV who currently take very complex treatments.
NewsUrinary tract infections can trigger delirium and worsen dementia
Urinary tract infections can pose serious risks for older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In older patients, a common UTI can trigger delirium, a medical emergency marked by sudden confusion and altered awareness.
NewsA new ecological model highlights how fluctuating environments push microbes to work together
A new study explores why interdependence can be a winning move for microbial communities. It demonstrated that a mathematical model of how bacteria produce and share resources accurately predicted the outcome of experiments with living E. coli strains.
NewsStudying yeast in the gut could lead to new, better drugs
A new study sheds light on the behavior of yeast cells in the gut, paving the way for new lines of yeast that more efficiently produce therapeutic drugs tailored to address specific diseases.
NewsStudy reveals key differences in long-term brain effects of COVID-19 and flu
While both Covid and flu can leave lasting lung damage, only SARS-CoV-2 infection caused persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus was no longer detectable, a new study has found.
NewsNew strategies aim at HIV’s last strongholds
A new study has overcome a long-standing challenge—how to isolate and study elusive HIV-infected cells called authentic reservoir clones (ARCs) that evade the immune system, making the disease difficult to cure.
NewsA comparison of the efficacy of non-chemical versus chemical cleansers against Candida species on removable dental prostheses
A new review aims to systematically compare the efficacy of chemical and non-chemical denture cleansers in reducing Candida spp. on removable dental prostheses.
NewsNew study finds sex and menopause-based differences in presentation of early Lyme disease
In a new study, researchers found that male and female patients with early Lyme disease present with different signs of the disease in the symptoms they report, their physical exams and their laboratory test results.
NewsScientists find that silencing bacteria can worsen heart infections
By studying a bacterium responsible for a severe heart infection, the scientists show that disrupting bacterial communication can be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. These findings open the door to more targeted therapeutic strategies against this type of infection.
NewsResearch teams will develop automated compost monitoring system
Composting turns organic waste into nutrient-rich material, but improper temperature and moisture control can allow pathogens to survive and increase safety risks. Researchers have received a $362,000 grant to develop an automated sensor network to improve monitoring of compost piles.
NewsResearchers engineer bacteria capable of consuming tumours from the inside out
A research team is developing a novel tool to treat cancer by engineering hungry bacteria to literally eat tumours from the inside out. They added a gene to the organism from a related bacterium that can better tolerate oxygen and found a way to activate the oxygen-resistant gene at just the right time.
NewsScientists unlock magnetic secrets of bacteria with built-in compass
Some bacteria are miniature masters of navigation: A built-in “compass” made of magnetic nanoparticles helps them to reliably find the optimal habitat. Researchers have now unlocked the magnetic properties of individual bacteria — an important step toward harnessing the potential for technology.
NewsThe hidden infections that refuse to go away: how household practices can stop deadly diseases
A 13-year study reveals why a deadly parasitic infection targeted for elimination in China persisted in some areas even after decades of control. The research investigated some of the last pockets of schistosomiasis in the country, finding that farming practices and unsafe sanitation contributed to disease spread.
NewsFirst evidence of fungal pathogen becoming more deadly when co-infected with tuberculosis
Co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, together with Cryptococcus neoformans, is a grave public health concern, increasing the risk of death significantly. Researchers have found that in the presence of Mycobacteria, the fungus changed its cell density, cell diversity, and capsule size.
NewsBiocodex Microbiota Foundation announces open call for projects for $50,000 2026 USA Microbiome Research Grant
The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation, an independent organization founded by Biocodex, has opened applications for its 2026 USA research grant. The $50,000 grant will be awarded to a U.S.-based investigator studying the gut microbiota and its relationship to human health and disease.
News Huayunuo approval positions China at forefront of viral hepatitis innovation, says GlobalData
Huahui Health has recently secured conditional approval from China for Huayunuo (Libevitug Injection), marking it as the first domestically developed monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug for chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in adults with or without compensated cirrhosis.