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New genetic tool tracks how bacteria spread between people

The research, published on April 24th, 2026, in Nature Microbiology, describes how the new tool, called TRAnsmision Clustering of Strains (TRACS), uses genomics to distinguish between closely related bacterial strains.

4 May 2026

Specific intestinal fungi play role in the pathogenesis of MASLD and cardiovascular disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). While gut bacteria have been linked to CVD, the role of intestinal fungi in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (SCA) remains unclear.

23 Apr 2026

Scientists warn of a silent surge in resistant Aspergillus and Candida

An increasing number of fungi are becoming resistant to medication, posing serious risks for patients with weakened immune systems. That is why fifty researchers from around the world, led by Radboudumc, are calling for action against drug‑resistant fungi. Their call has been published in Nature Medicine.

17 Apr 2026

International researchers set new standards for studying tumor microbiota

Recent research shows that tumors in different organs host microbial communities capable of influencing cancer biology, immune responses, and the effectiveness of therapies, highlighting the need to standardize methods for studying intratumoral microbes.

2 Apr 2026

Gut-derived metabolites regulate immune cells in complex ways

Published on March 23, 2026, in Volume 2, article number 18 of the journal Immunity & Inflammation, the review begins by systematically outlining the sources and synthetic pathways of immune-relevant microbial metabolites, including bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, amino acid derivatives, vitamins, trimethylamine/trimethylamine N-oxide, and odd-chain fatty acids.

31 Mar 2026

New 3D-printed medicated patches show promise for chronic wound healing

A team of University of Mississippi researchers is developing a way to use 3D printed medicated patches to help close persistent sores and ulcers.

16 Mar 2026

Natural fungal supplement strengthens vaccine protection without increasing side effects

Researchers at University California San Diego School of Medicine have found that a natural fungal supplement taken at the time of COVID-19 vaccination reduced short-term vaccine side effects and helped antibodies - the body's natural immune defenders - last longer in people who had not previously been exposed to the virus.

4 Mar 2026

Microbial cities in space: Risks and opportunities for astronauts

A global team of scientists has identified an often-overlooked biological system - biofilms - as a critical factor in the future of human space exploration.

26 Feb 2026

Unmasking the impact of C. neoformans as a Global Menace

Cryptococcus neoformans is one of four fungi classified as 'critical priority' on the WHO's Fungal Pathogens Priority List, which was published in October 2022 following decades of research and calls for fungal pathogens to be classified alongside their bacterial and viral counterparts.

23 Feb 2026

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce rhododendron-derived drugs

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.

17 Feb 2026

Frozen in time: Ancient bacteria reveal evolution of drug resistance

Bacteria have evolved to adapt to all of Earth's most extreme conditions, from scorching heat to temperatures well below zero.

17 Feb 2026

Addiction consults improve care for drug-related eye infections

Eric Gaier, MD, PhD, and Dean Eliott, MD, of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, are co-authors of a paper published in Ophthalmology Retina, "Substance Use Disorder Interventions and Ophthalmic Outcomes for Injection Drug Use-Associated Endogenous Endophthalmitis."

10 Feb 2026

Mycoprotein demonstrates strong potential for sustainable nutrition

Plant-based food as an alternative to meat is high on the agenda today, and mycoprotein (fungal protein) in particular has come into focus in recent years.

6 Feb 2026

New analysis reveals hidden complexity in the vaginal microbiome

For decades, gynecological tests have relied on a simplified view of the vaginal microbiome, categorizing bacteria as either "good" or "bad."

6 Feb 2026

Computational method clarifies microbial signals in tumor sequencing

When scientists sequence tumor DNA, they typically find small amounts of genetic code from bacteria, viruses and fungi – microorganisms that, if actually present in tumor tissues, could influence how they grow, evade immunity or respond to treatment.

5 Feb 2026

Common human fungus found to worsen melanoma aggressiveness

Cancer is one of the causes responsible for the most deaths worldwide; in 2020, for example, it resulted in ten million deaths. It has been estimated that micro-organism infections caused between 13-18% of these cases.

3 Feb 2026

Bacteria repurpose viral injection systems to target diverse cells

New study shows how bacteria adapted a virus-derived injection system to recognize and attach to many different types of cells.

2 Feb 2026

Chemical inhibitor helps viruses overcome bacterial immune defenses

Antimicrobial resistance - when bacteria and fungi defend themselves against the drugs design to kill them - is an urgent threat to global public health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

31 Jan 2026

How modern lifestyles reprogram the gut microbiome and shape disease risk

Modern lifestyle factors such as circadian disruption, sleep deprivation, stress, and exercise reshape the gut bacteriome and its metabolic outputs. These microbiome changes are linked to immune, metabolic, and cancer-related pathways, largely through evidence from animal models and observational human studies.

27 Jan 2026

Study identifies genes, smoking, and obesity as pneumonia risk factors

Researchers at the University of Oulu have identified genes that increase susceptibility to pneumonia. Alongside inherited risk factors, smoking and higher body mass were also found to raise the risk of developing the disease.

27 Jan 2026