Microbes and More News
July 1, 2025
Top Headlines
June 25, 2025 — Two newly discovered viruses lurking in bats are dangerously similar to Nipah and Hendra, both of which have caused deadly outbreaks in humans. Found in fruit bats near villages, these viruses may spread through urine-contaminated fruit, raising ...
June 24, 2025 — Lichen from the Mojave Desert has stunned scientists by surviving months of lethal UVC radiation, suggesting life could exist on distant planets orbiting volatile stars. The secret? A microscopic “sunscreen” layer that protects their vital ...
June 23, 2025 — In a remarkable twist of science, researchers have transformed a fungus long associated with death into a potential weapon against cancer. Found in tombs like that of King Tut, Aspergillus flavus was ...
June 19, 2025 — During Earth's ancient Snowball periods, when the entire planet was wrapped in ice, life may have endured in tiny meltwater ponds on the surface of equatorial glaciers. MIT researchers discovered ...
June 19, 2025 — Researchers investigating the enigmatic and antibiotic-resistant Pandoraea bacteria have uncovered a surprising twist: these pathogens don't just pose risks they also produce powerful natural ...
June 15, 2025 — Underground fungi may be one of Earth s most powerful and overlooked allies in the fight against climate change, yet most of them remain unknown to science. Known only by DNA, these "dark taxa" make up a shocking 83% of ectomycorrhizal species fungi ...
June 12, 2025 — Reef "beauty salons" staffed by tiny cleaner fish aren t just for parasite removal they may also shape the microbial life of the entire ecosystem. A fascinating new study shows these bustling fish stations influence which microbes move around the ...
June 3, 2025 — In the heart of Dublin, scientists have discovered that the air holds more than melodies and Guinness-infused cheer it carries invisible traces of life, from wildlife to drugs and even human diseases. Using high-powered air filters and environmental ...
June 3, 2025 — A new study shows how person-to-person variation in antibody immunity plays a key role in shaping which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a ...
June 3, 2025 — Researchers have synthesized a new compound called infuzide that shows activity against resistant strains of ...
June 2, 2025 — Scientists in Australia have developed a smart, bacteria-repelling coating based on resilin the ultra-elastic protein that gives fleas their legendary jumping power. When applied to surfaces like medical implants or surgical tools, the engineered ...
June 2, 2025 — Some microbes living on sand grains use up all the oxygen around them. Their neighbors, left without oxygen, make the best of it: They use nitrate in the surrounding water for denitrification -- a process hardly possible when oxygen is present. This ...
Latest Headlines
updated 7:14am EDT
June 25, 2025 — Viruses closely related to the deadly MERS coronavirus are lurking in bats and one group, known as HKU5, may be just one mutation away from making the jump to humans. A new study reveals how these ...
June 25, 2025 — Leafcutter ants live in highly organized colonies where every ant has a job, and now researchers can flip those jobs like a switch. By manipulating just two neuropeptides, scientists can turn ...
June 18, 2025 — New research is shaking up our understanding of evolution by revealing that some species may not evolve gradually at all. Instead, scientists ...
June 9, 2025 — Scientists have uncovered over 200 new giant viruses lurking in ocean waters that not only help shape marine ecosystems but also manipulate photosynthesis in algae. These massive viruses once nearly ...
June 2, 2025 — Making a discovery with the potential for innovative applications in pharmaceutical development, a microbiology student has found a long sought-after fungus that produces effects similar to the ...
June 2, 2025 — California Central Valley, which is known for the agriculture that produces much of the nation's fruits, vegetables and nuts, is a major contributor to a growing dust problem that has profound ...
May 30, 2025 — Laboratory could improve crop resilience In a discovery three decades in the making, scientists have acquired detailed knowledge about the internal structures and mode of regulation for a specialized ...
May 30, 2025 — New HIV research shows that small changes in the virus affect how quickly or slowly it replicates and how easily it can reawaken in the body. These insights bring researchers closer to finding ways ...
May 30, 2025 — Researchers have identified a previously unknown species of unicellular organism in seawater collected near Hachijojima Island. The newly discovered species, named Viscidocauda repens, belongs to the ...
May 30, 2025 — A virus responsible for damaging cotton crops across the southern United States has been lurking in U.S. fields for nearly 20 years -- undetected. According to new research, cotton leafroll dwarf ...
Earlier Headlines
June 8, 2025 — In a paper published in National Science Review, a Chinese team of scientists highlights the discovery of well-preserved blue-stain fungal hyphae within a Jurassic fossil wood from northeastern ...
May 29, 2025 — Long considered a disease brought to the Americas by European colonizers, leprosy may actually have a much older history on the American continent. Scientists reveal that a recently identified second ...
May 29, 2025 — Scientists have documented the way a single gene in the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, allowed it to survive hundreds of years by adjusting its virulence and the length of ...
May 29, 2025 — Scientists analyzed almost 200 cannabis genomes to create the most comprehensive, high-quality, detailed genetic atlas of the plant to date. The atlas reveals unprecedented diversity and complexity ...
May 28, 2025 — A new study shows that planting too much genetically modified corn designed to fight off a tough insect -- the corn rootworm -- especially in the eastern U.S. Corn Belt states may be causing more ...
May 28, 2025 — A new concept of kinetic modules in biochemical networks could revolutionize the understanding of how these networks function. Scientists succeeded in linking the structure and dynamics of ...
May 28, 2025 — Parasitic worms that infect humans are not interbreeding with those that infect cattle as previously thought. This is good news for when it comes to controlling schistosomiasis, a disease caused by ...
May 28, 2025 — The protein DNase1 is one of the oldest biological agents in history: It has been on the market since 1958 and is now used, among other things, to treat cystic fibrosis. However, it takes ...
May 28, 2025 — Scientists have developed a unified theory for mathematical parameters known as gauge freedoms. Their new formulas will allow researchers to interpret research results much faster and with greater ...
May 28, 2025 — Chemists have demonstrated how RNA (ribonucleic acid) might have replicated itself on early Earth -- a key process in the origin of ...
May 28, 2025 — The aging of the innermost cell layer of blood vessels leads to cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have now shown for the first time that intestinal bacteria and their metabolites contribute ...
May 27, 2025 — A new study reveals the biological secret to the Zika virus's infectious success: Zika uses host cells' own 'self-care' system of clearing away useless molecules to suppress the ...
May 27, 2025 — Researchers conducted a systematic review of 99 scientific publications that compared the flora or fauna of old-growth forests, managed forests and clearcut sites in boreal Europe. The reviewed ...
May 27, 2025 — Alterations to the diet of pests could impact how quickly they can adapt to ...
May 27, 2025 — In the long battle to create an effective HIV vaccine, scientists have made a major leap forward. A new study shows that a series of vaccines can coax the immune system to produce powerful antibodies ...
May 23, 2025 — The molecular pathways involved in antiviral defenses and counter-defenses in host-pathogen systems remain unclear. Researchers have used Neurospora crassa as a model organism to explore how RNA ...
May 22, 2025 — New research shows how rapidly proliferating turf algae are waging 'chemical warfare' to inhibit the recovery of kelp forests along Maine's warming ...
May 22, 2025 — Researchers have analyzed ancient DNA from Borrelia recurrentis, a type of bacteria that causes relapsing fever, pinpointing when it evolved to spread through lice rather than ticks, and how it ...
May 22, 2025 — A new study proves that a type of genetic element called 'introners' are the mechanism by which many introns spread within and between species, also providing evidence of eight instances in ...
May 22, 2025 — The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) may have an 'on-off switch' that lets them pause and restart growth, according to a new study. The research helps explain why TB is so hard to ...
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Leprosy Existed in America Long Before Arrival of Europeans
- Evolution of a Single Gene Allowed the Plague to Adapt, Survive and Kill Much of Humanity Over Many Centuries
- Cannabis Pangenome Reveals Potential for Medicinal and Industrial Use
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
- Too Much of a Good Thing: Consequences of Overplanting Bt Corn in the US
- Kinetic Coupling -- Breakthrough in Understanding Biochemical Networks
- Genetic Deep Dive Dispels Fear of Hybrid Worm Threat
- Yeast Can Now Produce Human DNase1
- In Nature's Math, Freedoms Are Fundamental
- Chemists Recreate How RNA Might Have Reproduced for First Time
- Intestinal Bacteria Influence Aging of Blood Vessels
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
- Zika Virus Uses Cells' 'self-Care' System to Turn Against Host
- Nordic Studies Show the Significance of Old-Growth Forests for Biodiversity
- Stirling Research Could Extend Biopesticide Effectiveness
- HIV Vaccine Study Uncovers Powerful New Antibody Target
Friday, May 23, 2025
Thursday, May 22, 2025
- New Study Reveals How Competition Between Algae Is Transforming the Gulf of Maine
- Ancient DNA Used to Map Evolution of Fever-Causing Bacteria
- 'Selfish' Genes Called Introners Proven to Be a Major Source of Genetic Complexity
- Study Discovers DNA Switch That Controls TB Growth, and Could Help Unlock Its Antibiotic Resistance Secrets
- How Cholera Bacteria Outsmart Viruses
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- The Dietary Bug in a Cancer Therapy
- Yeast Reveals How Species Adapt to a Warmer Climate
- Unlocking the Secrets of Bat Immunity
- Engineered Bacteria Can Deliver Antiviral Therapies, Vaccines
- Natural Algal Communities Can Inhibit Aquaculture Pathogens
- Songbirds' Great Risk Results in Great Genetic Reward
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- How Membranes May Have Brought About the Chemistry of Life on Earth
- New Research Reveals Puff Adders as an Important Conservation and Rodent Control Solution
- Advanced Genomics Study Improves Detection of Hard-to-Find Diarrheal Infections
- Wild Spinach Offers Path to Breed Disease Resistance Into Cultivated Varieties
- Cool Science: Researchers Craft Tiny Biological Tools Using Frozen Ethanol
- Why Some Viral Infections Appear to Trigger Autoimmune Disease
- Research Team Traces Evolutionary History of Bacterial Circadian Clock on Ancient Earth
Monday, May 19, 2025
- Genomic Data Shows Widespread Mpox Transmission in West Africa Prior to 2022 Global Outbreak
- Survival Trick: Pathogen Taps Iron Source in Immune Cells
- Family of Parasite Proteins Presents New Potential Malaria Treatment Target
- How Did Plants Evolve the Ability to Transport Massive Amounts of Protein Into Seed Vacuoles?
- How to Swim Without a Brain
- Could Nanoplastics in the Environment Turn E. Coli Into a Bigger Villain?
Friday, May 16, 2025
- Researchers Find CRISPR Is Capable of Even More Than We Thought
- Heat-Tolerant Symbionts a Critical Key to Protecting Florida's Elkhorn Coral from Bleaching During Marine Heatwaves
- How Antibiotic Resistance to Fusidic Acid Works
- Novel Molecular Maneuver Helps Malaria Parasite Dodge the Immune System
- Light-to-Electricity Nanodevice Reveals How Earth's Oldest Surviving Cyanobacteria Worked
Thursday, May 15, 2025
- Two HIV Vaccine Trials Show Proof of Concept for Pathway to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
- World's Largest Bat Organoid Platform Paves the Way for Pandemic Preparedness
- Dual Associations With Two Fungi Improve Tree Fitness
- Scientists Use Fossils to Assess the Health of Florida's Largest Remaining Seagrass Bed: Surprisingly, It's Doing Well!
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
- New Hope Against Superbugs: Promising Antibiotic Candidate Discovered
- An Ink That Boosts Coral Reef Settlement by 20 Times
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- Researchers Develop Living Material from Fungi
- 'Loop'hole: HIV-1 Hijacks Human Immune Cells Using Circular RNAs
Monday, May 12, 2025
- Echidna Microbiome Changes While Mums Nurse Puggle
- Measles Virus Detected in Houston Wastewater Before Cases Were Reported
- Microbial 'phosphorus Gatekeeping' Found at Center of Study Exploring 700,000 Years of Iconic Coastline
Friday, May 9, 2025
- Antibiotics from Human Use Are Contaminating Rivers Worldwide, Study Shows
- Novel, Needle-Free, Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccines With Broad Protection Against Human and Avian Virus Subtypes
- Researchers Map 7,000-Year-Old Genetic Mutation That Protects Against HIV
- Bacterium Produces 'organic Dishwashing Liquid' To Degrade Oil
- Heart Rhythm Disorder Traced to Bacterium Lurking in Our Gums
Thursday, May 8, 2025
- Researchers Find New Defense Against Hard-to-Treat Plant Diseases
- Bacteria: Recording Gene Activity More Efficiently
- Discovery Opens Up for New Ways to Treat Chlamydia
- Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Smallpox Vaccine for Preventing Mpox
- Engineering an Antibody Against Flu With Sticky Staying Power
- AI-Designed DNA Controls Genes in Healthy Mammalian Cells for First Time
- Building Vaccines for Future Versions of a Virus
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Feat of 'dung-Gineering' Turns Cow Manure Into One of World's Most Used Materials
- Discovery of Antibiotic Resistance in Newly Identified Bacterium
- Viruses Under the Super Microscope: How Influenza Viruses Communicate With Cells
- Fewer Parasites in the Indian River Lagoon Signal Big Ecosystem Problems
- Comb Jellies Reveal Ancient Origins of Animal Genome Regulation
- Researchers Restore Antibiotic Effect in the Event of Resistance
- Cracking the Code: Deciphering How Concrete Can Heal Itself
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
- Replanted Rainforests May Benefit from Termite Transplants
- Food as Medicine: How Diet Shapes Gut Microbiome Health
- Research Advances on 'displacing' Antibiotic Resistance Gene from Bacteria
- Fruit and Microbes Boost Biogas Production and Fermentation
Monday, May 5, 2025
- Topical Gel Relieved Ear Infections in Animals After Just One Dose
- Certain Traits in Romantic Partners Can Amplify the Impact of a Person's Genetic Risk for Alcohol Problems
- Min Proteins for Max Efficiency During Cell Division
- New Molecular Label Could Lead to Simpler, Faster Tuberculosis Tests
- How Are They Biting? High Speed Video Reveals Unexpected Jaw Movements in Reef Fish
- A Fully Automated Tool for Species Tree Inference
- Biological Particles May Be Crucial for Inducing Heavy Rain
- Vertical Farming to Increase Yields and Reduce Environmental Impact
- Urban Rats Spread Deadly Bacteria as They Migrate, Study Finds
- Genomic Survey Uncovers Evolutionary Origins of Secretoglobins
- Saving the Asian 'unicorn' -- If It Still Exists
- Blue Tips Are Red Algae's Red Flags
Friday, May 2, 2025
- Traditional Forest Medicinal Plant Ghost Pipe Used Differently Today
- Loss of Sea Ice Alters the Colors of Light in the Ocean
- Antivenom Neutralizes the Neurotoxins of 19 of the World's Deadliest Snakes
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Electricity-Generating Bacteria May Power Future Innovations
- Invasive Rats and Rainforest Mammals Are Sharing Gut Microbes as Urban Areas Grow
- Study of Facial Bacteria Could Lead to Probiotics That Promote Healthy Skin
- Designer Microbe Shows Promise for Reducing Mercury Absorption from Seafood