microbiology

Scientists Uncover New Antiviral Defense Mechanism In Rice

Chinese researchers have revealed a new antiviral mechanism in rice, a discovery that could boost control against viral epidemics and guarantee food security.

New Antibiotic Resistant Gene Variant Found In Healthy Individual

This finding shows that even healthy individuals can harbor bacteria that are resistant to the strongest antibiotics known to man.

Waterways Are Extensively Polluted With Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs

Thanks to human activity, antibiotic resistant genes are now widespread in estuarine areas.

Two Zika Neutralizing Antibodies Found

Researchers have found two potent Zika-neutralizing antibodies that could be used as part of a therapeutic cocktail to treat patients.

Ancient Microbes Discovered To Be Key Source Of Methane

The discovery of methane-metabolizing genes in ancient microbes is changing how scientists understand the global carbon cycle.

You Could Be Getting Antibiotic Resistance Genes From Your Chicken Dinner

Researchers have found that certain antibiotic resistance genes are easily transferred from one bacterial species to another, and can move between farm animals and the human gut.

Helping Lab-On-A-Chip Devices To ‘Swallow’ With Electro-Osmosis

Mimicking how muscles push food down the esophagus allows microdevices to move fluids; adding an electric field helps to further control this motion.

A Brief History Of Agar

You many know agar-agar as a delicious jelly-like dessert. But what do you know about agar's history and applications in the lab?

7 Must-Read Stories In November 2015

Plant and fungal biology were among the popular topics in November, with stories on gene editing and the sequencing of the dandruff-causing Malassezia.