<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>SfAM news</title> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm</link> <description></description> <item> <title>Virus attack killing Spanish amphibians and threatening reptiles</title> <description>Amphibian populations across Spain are being killed by two deadly ranaviruses viruses.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/newvirusfrogs</link> </item> <item> <title>Garlic used to treat tree disease</title> <description>A preliminary trial has taken place using concentrated garlic injections to treat tree diseases like bleeding canker of horse chestnut and oak trees with acute oak decline.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/garlictreedisease</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbiology project wins Google Science Fair prize</title> <description>Three teenagers from Ireland have won the Grand Prize at the Google Science Fair for their project looking at using bacteria to reduce world food shortages. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/googlesciencefair</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - sustainable production of organic acids via SynBio</title> <description>A review summarizing the latest research on SynBio approaches to engineer C.?glutamicum for the bio-based production of organic acids.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sustainable-production-of-organic-acids-via-synbio</link> </item> <item> <title>Small World - big opportunity</title> <description>Yale University is crowd sourcing new antibiotics from soil bacteria and offering undergraduates valuable research experience, at the same time.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/small-world-big-opportunity</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - bacillus strain in biological control of melon mildew</title> <description>Cucurbit powdery mildew is a major threat to melon, squash, courgette, cucumber, and pumpkin crops, worldwide. Here, authors describe biological control by Bacillus subtilis UMAF6639.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacillus-strain-in-biological-control-of-melon-mildew</link> </item> <item> <title>Searching for antibiotics in the human microbiome</title> <description>Scientists have analysed the bacteria living on our bodies and have identified over 3,000 natural products with the potential to be useful in drugs.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibioticsmicorbiome</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - plant extracts can control citrus mould</title> <description>Extracts from Moroccan medicinal plants are shown to be effective against blue mould of citrus - an important post-harvest disease - under laboratory conditions.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/plant-extracts-can-control-citrus-mould</link> </item> <item> <title>Death microbiome may provide answers for pathologists</title> <description>The first study of the human microbiome after death could help pathologists and forensic investigators by providing information about time of death.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/deathmicrobiome</link> </item> <item> <title>Thousands of microbes found under the Antarctic ice</title> <description>American scientists have confirmed the presence of a microbial ecosystem in Lake Whillans, a sub glacial lake 800m under the Antarctic ice, suggesting the possibility of microbial life elsewhere in the solar system.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antarcticlake</link> </item> <item> <title>Only 6% of patients admit pushing GPs for antibiotics but they still over prescribe</title> <description>A survey of patients this month revealed that only 6% admit to pushing their doctor for antibiotics but a second survey of GPs that 90% cite pressure from patients as the reason they over prescribe.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/only-6-percent-of-patients-admit-pushing-GPs-for-antibiotics-but-they-still-over-prescribe</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Occurrence and distribution of Naegleria species from thermal spring environments in Taiwan</title> <description>Naegleria spp. is a free-living amoeba that can be found in the natural environment and can cause fatal infections in humans and animals.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/occurrence-and-distribution-of-naegleria-species-from-thermal-spring-environments-in-taiwan</link> </item> <item> <title>New blood test identifies resistant malaria</title> <description>A blood test has been developed which identifies artemisinin resistant malaria giving hope that its spread might be prevented.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bloodtestmalariaresistance</link> </item> <item> <title>Ebola vaccine could be ready by end of 2014</title> <description>WHO has give the go-ahead for untested treatments, but what does this mean for patients with Ebola and their communities?</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ebola-vaccine-could-be-ready-by-end-of-2014</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbial interactions in dental plaque</title> <description>The September 2014 edition of Microbiologist will be themed around dental microbiology. Here, SfAM Executive Committee member and Features Editor, Nick Jakubovics, discusses microbial interactions in dental plaque - a typical bacterial biofilm.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbial-interactions-in-dental-plaque</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - studies of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles need to be time-resolved</title> <description>Silver nanoparticles are used in consumer products for their antimicrobial properties. This study highlights the need for time-resolved analyses when investigating the effects of nanoparticles on microorganisms.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/studies-of-antimicrobial-silver-nanoparticles-need-to-be-time-resolved</link> </item> <item> <title>Ebola outbreak is Public Health Emergency of International Concern</title> <description>The WHO has declared the current Ebola outbreak in Africa a Â‘Public Health Emergency of International ConcernÂ’.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ebloa-outbreak-is-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern</link> </item> <item> <title>Lake Erie turns green with toxic bloom</title> <description>Lake Erie, a source of drinking water in North America, has been turned green by a toxic bacterial bloom.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/lakeerietoxicbloom</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Bioactives from probiotics for skin health: functions and benefits</title> <description>A review of the mechanisms underlying benefits of bacteria on the skin, with a view to developing screens for strains with potential as topical treatments.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bioactives-from-probiotics-for-skin-health-functions-and-benefits</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM journals remain competitive</title> <description>Recent Impact Factors and rankings of SfAM's five acclaimed journals confirm that they remain competitive.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SfAM-journals-remain-competitive</link> </item> <item> <title>Ebola outbreak spreading faster than efforts to control it</title> <description>The World Health Organisation have warned that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is spreading faster than the efforts to control it and that it had the potential to be catastrophic, in terms of lives lost, if not properly managed. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ebolaoutbreak</link> </item> <item> <title>Bubonic plague quarantine in China</title> <description>A man has died from the bubonic plague in Yumen city in the north-west of China resulting in dozens of people being quarantined. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bubonicplaguechina</link> </item> <item> <title>JAM Lecture 2014</title> <description>On the evening of 30 June 2014, in Brighton, the SfAM Summer Conference began with the annual Journal of Applied Microbiology Annual Lecture.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/JAM-lecture-2014</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - methods for determining abundance and activity of marine bacterioplankton</title> <description>Comparison between MICROÂ–CARDÂ–FISH and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries to assess the active versus total bacterial community in the coastal Arctic.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/methods-for-determining-abundance-and-activity-of-marine-bacterioplankton</link> </item> <item> <title>Condolences</title> <description>SfAM would like to express our deepest condolences to all affected by the recent plane crash in Ukraine.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/condolences-mh17</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - antibiotic resistance found in remote snow and ice</title> <description>Antibiotic resistant bacteria and/or antibiotic resistance genes have been found in the natural environment, geographically isolated from intensive use of antibiotics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibiotic-resistance-found-in-remote-snow-and-ice</link> </item> <item> <title>Science in Parliament</title> <description>The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee makes it's quarterly publication available to SfAM Members as a free .pdf download.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/science-in-parliament</link> </item> <item> <title>Frog vaccine may halt fungus</title> <description>Spraying frogs with a dead fungus may halt the spread of the chytrid fungus which has killed millions of amphibians globally.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Frog vaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Brendan Gilmore asks 'Is the tide really turning on antibiotic research stagnation?'</title> <description>SfAM Executive Committee member, Brendan Gilmore, discusses recent developments in political and financial support for antimicrobial resistance related research.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Brendan-Gilmore-asks-is-the-tide-really-turning-on-antibiotic-research-stagnation</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM welcomes Commons Committee report on antimicrobial resistance</title> <description>SfAM welcomes todayÂ’s report from the Science and Technology Committee. In particular, the emphasis on immediate action, given the urgency to solve problems associated with antimicrobial resistance...</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SfAM-welcomes-Commons-Committee-report-on-antimicrobial-resistance</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - The role of bacterial outer membrane vesicles for intra- and interspecies delivery</title> <description>An increasing number of Gram-negative bacteria have been observed to secrete outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Many mysteries remain with respect to OMV formation, the regulation of OMV content, and mode of targeting and fusion. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/the-role-of-bacterial-outer-membrane-vesicles-for-intra-and-interspecies-delivery</link> </item> <item> <title>Rapid diagnosis to help fight against pig disease epidemic</title> <description>Today, Professor Wim van der Poel told delegates at the Society for Applied Microbiology annual Summer Conference how veterinary laboratories in Europe are working together to implement reliable diagnostic tests that ensure preparedness for the potential emergence of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in Europe. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/rapid-diagnosis-to-help-fight-against-pig-disease-epidemic</link> </item> <item> <title>Of buttercups and bacteria</title> <description>Dr Douglas Fraser-Pitt gives the Society for Applied Microbiology New Lecturer Award lecture, today (2 July). </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/of-buttercups-and-bacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Scientists turn to 3Rs to improve research into most common food poisoning</title> <description>Later today (1 July), Professor Rick Titball will tell delegates at the Society for Applied Microbiology Summer Conference how wax moth larvae can be used to study the food poisoning bacteria, Campylobacter.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/scientists-turn-to-3Rs-to-improve-research-into-most-common-food-poisoning</link> </item> <item> <title>War on antibiotic resistance wins Â£10M prize</title> <description>Antibiotic resistance has beaten off competition from five other major challenges to humanity, to win the Â£10M Longitude Prize.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/war-on-antibiotic-resistance-wins-Â£10M-prize</link> </item> <item> <title>Parasitic infection found in skeleton more than 6000 years old</title> <description>Archaeologists have found a parasitic egg near the pelvis of a skeleton which dates back over 6000 years. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ancientparasites</link> </item> <item> <title>Communications Award winners announced</title> <description>Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Ron Cutler are the latest winners of the SfAM Communications Award. They will both speak today (Thursday 19 June) at SfAM's Science Communication and Public Engagement workshop in London.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/communications-award-winners-announced</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM past President OBE announced</title> <description>We would like to congratulate Professor Margaret Patterson who has been awarded an OBE for services to the Agri-Food Industry, particularly Food Safety and Quality, as announced in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours list.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SfAM-past-President-OBE-announced</link> </item> <item> <title>EMI/EMR Editor and Editorial Board Members elected to EMBO</title> <description>Congratulations to Editorial Board Members, Antje Boetius, Carmen Buchrieser and Colin Murrell, and also Editor Mike Jetten, on their election to EMBO.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/EMI-EMR-Editor-and-Editorial-Board-Members-elected-to-EMBO</link> </item> <item> <title>Could coffee be good for your teeth after all?</title> <description>Strong black coffee, it turns out, has the potential to break down bacterial biofilms, an example of which is cavity-causing dental plaque.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/could-coffee-be-good-for-your-teeth-after-all</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Environmental conditions that influence toxin biosynthesis in cyanobacteria</title> <description>In a review published in SfAM's journal, Environmental Microbiology, the authors focus on the environmental regulation of cyanotoxins. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/environmental-conditions-that-influence-toxin-biosynthesis-in-cyanobacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Gout treatment used to halt citrus disease</title> <description>Scientists from the University of Florida have found that gout treatment can be used to halt a bacterial plant disease affecting up to 70% of Florida's citrus fruit. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/citrusgreening</link> </item> <item> <title>Skin rejuvenating bacteria - the next beauty treatment?</title> <description>In a review of research into the effects of bacterial compounds on skin health, the authors suggest parameters for screening probiotics strains with potential skin enhancing and rejuvenating properties, for topical applications.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/skin-rejuvenating-bacteria-the-next-beauty-treatment</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria may colonize the gut of babies from the placenta</title> <description>Researchers from Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston have sequenced bacteria from the placenta and found that it contained a unique ecosystem which may have come from the mother's mouth.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/babyplacentabacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - the achievements and further potential of metagenomics</title> <description>A review, in the run up to the tenth anniversary of whole metagenome shotgun sequencing, or metagenomics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/the achievements and further potential of metagenomics</link> </item> <item> <title>Half the methane may be left after Deepwater Horizon spill</title> <description>Scientists from the University of Georgia in Athens have suggested that almost half of the methane produced from the Deepwater horizon spill may not have been cleaned up by microbes. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/methanedeepwater</link> </item> <item> <title>Infection control in hospitals key to halting deadly MERS-CoV</title> <description>Dr Keiji Fukuda, WHOÂ’s Assistant Director-General - Health Security, today emphasized the need for good infection control in hospitals to prevent outbreaks of the disease, which has so far killed about a third of people testing positive for infection.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Infection control in hospitals key to halting deadly MERS-CoV</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Novel type of transcriptional regulator for the control of sulphur amino acid metabolism</title> <description>Scientists identified a new member of the transcription factor family that controls the S-adenosylmethionine cycle. S-adenosylmethionine is a coenzyme for ubiquitous methytransferases.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/novel type of transcriptional regulator for the control of sulphur amino acid metabolism</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria modified to contain two new genetic bases</title> <description>Scientists from California have modified the genome of E. coli to contain two artificial bases. The bacteria's expanded genetic code is made up of six bases rather than the usual four.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbialfactories</link> </item> <item> <title>Are you sitting comfortably? Bacteria that tell you when they're not</title> <description>Scientists in Spain are developing a way for bacteria and humans to talk to each other. They've engineered E. coli to emit light in response to changes in their growth conditions, such as heat and acidity. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/areyousittingcomfortably</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM responds to WHO report on antimicrobial resistance</title> <description>Today, the WHO has published a report on the global situation for antimicrobial resistance. SfAM welcomes the report and notes the need for swift action to prevent and control the spread of resistant infections.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SfAM-responds-to-WHO-report-on-antimicrobial-resistance</link> </item> <item> <title>Q fever</title> <description>Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease, caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii. It is most commonly transmitted to humans via domestic animals, including cattle, goats, and sheep.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/q-fever</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - review of qPCR with viability dyes in food safety monitoring</title> <description>This article reviews recent developments in the latest technique for monitoring foodborne pathogens - qPCR with viability dyes.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/review-of-qPCR-with-viability-dyes-in-food-safety-monitoring</link> </item> <item> <title>Wheat under serious threat from fungal disease</title> <description>Scientists have warned that Wheat Rust, a fungal disease, could potentially wipe out the worldÂ’s crop of wheat (the second most important grain crop, after rice) if the disease is not quickly contained.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/wheatrustspread</link> </item> <item> <title>Standing up for Science media workshop</title> <description>SfAM was pleased to sponsor delegates to the Sense About Science Â‘Standing up for ScienceÂ’ Media Workshop in Manchester on 14 March 2014. Yinka Somorin and Tosin Onabanjo talk about their experience of the day.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/standingupforscience</link> </item> <item> <title>Poultry as a reservoir for foodborne disease</title> <description>Poultry and poultry products are recognized as the most significant source of human Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in the developed world, including the UK.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/poultry-as-a-reservoir-for-foodborne-disease</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - multifactorial regulation of gene expression in E.coli</title> <description>sigmaS, a major player in the response to environmental stresses in Escherichia coli: role, regulation and mechanisms of promoter recognition.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/multifactorial regulation of gene expression in E.coli</link> </item> <item> <title>Turkey eggs may provide clue to new antimicrobial coatings</title> <description>Australian Brush Turkeys incubate their eggs in rotting vegetation yet only 9% of eggs become infected. Researchers from the University of Akron studied the eggs to discover how they resisted becoming infected by microbes.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antimicrobialeggshells</link> </item> <item> <title>White blood cells as vaccines</title> <description>Researchers have used white blood cells as the basis of a vaccine against cytomegalovirus, a leading cause of birth defects.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/white-blood-cells-as-vaccines</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - life after death for biofilms</title> <description>A potential strategy for dealing with harmful biofilms has arisen, thanks to the discovery of a critical role for extracellular DNA in maintaining biofilm structure.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/life-after-death-for-biofilms</link> </item> <item> <title>A-tish-oo, a-tish-oo, we all fall down: zoonotic influenza</title> <description>Influenza viruses have been some of the most high profile pathogens to transmit from animals to humans. But how do they make that leap?</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/a-tish-oo-a-tish-oo-we-all-fall-down-zoonotic-influenza</link> </item> <item> <title>Activated Sludge: A century of controlling waterborne disease</title> <description>Mike Dempsey discusses the history of Activated Sludge, which has been key to controlling waterborne disease for a century.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/activated-sludge-a-century-of-controlling-waterborne-disease</link> </item> <item> <title>First synthetic yeast chromosome heralds new industrial revolution</title> <description>Yeast cells containing a synthetic chromosome grow well, opening the door to new methods of making medicines, vaccines, biofuels, and more.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/first-synthetic-yeast-chromosome-heralds-new-industrial-revolution</link> </item> <item> <title>Ask for evidence on antimicrobial products and policies</title> <description>Experts from amongst SfAM's membership are answering questions about infection control, antibiotics, and microbicides, put to them by members of the public who have been encouraged to 'Ask for Evidence'.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ask-for-evidence-on-antimicrobial-products-and-policies</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - microbes could clean up radioactive waste</title> <description>Bioremediation of radioactive contamination in the environment would provide an ecologically responsible alternative to destructive physical remediation.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbes-could-clean-up-radioactive-waste</link> </item> <item> <title>Light up listeria to prevent food risk</title> <description>Brilliant new test causes listeria to glow brightly, stopping contaminated food from ever reaching the shelves.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/light-up-listeria-to-prevent-food-risk</link> </item> <item> <title>Society PECS members to question MPs</title> <description>Tomorrow morning (19 March), three early career scientists from SfAM's membership will be visiting the House of Commons to question MPs about science policy.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Society-PECS-members-to-question-MPs</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Marine biofilms on artificial surfaces: structure and dynamics</title> <description>The search for new antifouling (AF) coatings that are environmentally benign has led to renewed interest in the ways that microorganisms colonize substrates in the marine environment.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/marine-biofilms-on-artificial-surfaces-structure-and-dynamics</link> </item> <item> <title>World's first Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever vaccine</title> <description>Public Health England have announced the first vaccine against the viral disease, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/worlds-first-crimean-congo-haemorrhagic-fever-vaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Professor says no need for alarm following reports of Klebsiella deaths</title> <description>News reports today have highlighted cases of antibiotic resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, which have proved fatal for 16 people being treated for other conditions, over four years. But SfAM's General Secretary says there is no need to panic.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/professor-says-no-need-for-alarm-following-reports-of-klebsiella-deaths</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - essential oils prevent biofilms on food and food processing equipment</title> <description>Natural essential oils show promise in the inhibition of biofilm formation in the food industry.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/essential oils prevent biofilms on food and food processing equipment</link> </item> <item> <title>14th century human poo had evidence of antimicrobial resistance genes</title> <description>Poo from the middle ages contained phages that carried antibiotic resistance genes, potentially transferring them to gut bacteria.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/14th-century-human-poo-had-evidence-of-antimicrobial-resistance-genes</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Bacterial pathogens: from natural ecosystems to human hosts</title> <description>Classic virulence determinants might be relevant for basic metabolic processes or modulating prey/predator relationships in natural, non-infective ecosystems.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacterial-pathogens-from-natural-ecosystems-to-human-hosts</link> </item> <item> <title>Poo sausage, anyone? </title> <description>LiveScience reports that scientists have cultured baby poo to generate probiotics for a new type of healthy sausage.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/poo-sausage-anyone</link> </item> <item> <title>Probiotic treatment for vaginal thrush on the way</title> <description>Scientists are testing vaginal pessaries containing Â‘goodÂ’ probiotic bacteria for the treatment of vaginal thrush.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/probiotic-treatment-for-vaginal-thrush-on-the-way</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - recombinant spider silks for biomedical and material science applications</title> <description>A review of strategies to produce recombinant spider silks for biomedical and material science applications.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/recombinant-spider-silks-for-biomedical-and-material-science-applications</link> </item> <item> <title>Microchip that listens to bacteria</title> <description>Columbia University reports an unusual application of integrated circuit technology - the study of signaling in bacterial colonies.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microchip-that-listens-to-bacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Blog: Putting learned societies at the centre of the 'policy community'</title> <description>In a blog co-authored with the Society for General Microbiology, our Communications Manager discusses why learned societies should engage with the policy process.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/putting-learned-societies-at-the-centre-of-the-policy-community</link> </item> <item> <title>Could pizza herb prevent winter vomiting disease?</title> <description>Scientists have found that carvacrol Â– the substance in oregano oil that gives the pizza herb its distinctive warm, aromatic smell and flavour Â– is effective against norovirus, causing the breakdown of the virusÂ’ tough outer coat.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/could-pizza-herb-prevent-winter-vomiting-disease</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - common marine bacteria produce commercially interesting pigment</title> <description>This study finds that bacteria isolated from red seaweed produce significant quantities of melanin when grown in sea-water medium.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/marine-bacteria-produce-commercially-interesting-pigment</link> </item> <item> <title>Somerset flood water contains high levels of bacteria</title> <description>To add to the difficulties faced by flooded communities on the Somerset Levels, a microbiologist from University of Reading has confirmed that levels of bacteria in the flood water are of concern.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/somerset-flood-water-contains-high-levels-of-bacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - high fibre diet improves health of obese via gut microbes</title> <description>A diet high in fibre alters the populations of microbes in the human gut, improving the health of obese people.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/high-fibre-diet-improves-health-of-obese-via-gut-microbes</link> </item> <item> <title>Restrictions in place as African Swine Fever hits Lithuania</title> <description>The deadly African Swine Fever virus has taken another step into Europe, infecting individuals in the wild boar population of south eastern Lithuania.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/restrictions-in-place-as-african-swine-fever-hits-lithuania</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - plant pathogens help Salmonella infect vegetables</title> <description>The plant immune system is ready to respond to Salmonella, but if plant pathogens are exerting their immune suppressing influences, it can infect, increasing the risk of food borne disease.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/plant-pathogens-help-salmonella-infect-vegetables</link> </item> <item> <title> Yellow rust warning in Eastern England</title> <description>A cereal disease expert has warned that high levels of an aggressive strain of yellow rust are being seen in crops in Eastern England and is already spreading west and north.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/yellowrust</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - effects of oxidizing agents on Bacillus subtilis spores</title> <description>Analysis of the germination kinetics of individual Bacillus subtilis spores treated with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/effects-of-oxidizing-agents-on-bacillus-subtilis-spores</link> </item> <item> <title>Older people may be risking their health on out-of-date food</title> <description>Ellen Evans, Cardiff Metropolitan University, explained the importance of following storage information and use-by-dates at the SfAM Winter Meeting.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/listeriartefoods</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM past President honoured by Science Council</title> <description>Margaret Patterson (SfAM President 2005-2008) has been named among the UKÂ’s 100 leading practising scientists.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sfam-past-president-honoured-by-science-council</link> </item> <item> <title>Loss of biodiversity limits toxin degradation</title> <description>Even a moderate loss of less than 5% of soil microbes may compromise some key ecosystem functions and could lead to lower degradation of toxins in the environment.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/loss-of-biodiversity-limits-toxin-degradation</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - next-gen sequencing reveals impact of upstream influences in Mississippi</title> <description>In one of the first studies of its kind, next generation sequencing has been used to characterize the bacterial community of the Upper Mississippi River.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/next-gen-sequencing-reveals-impact-of-upstream-influences-in-mississippi</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria may be linked to premature birth</title> <description>Researchers from Duke University found that bacteria may be responsible for thinning in the membrane, around babies before they are born, which is a comon cause of premature birth.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteriapremature</link> </item> <item> <title>HPV vaccines and the media</title> <description>Here, Margaret Stanley of the University of Cambridge discusses the treatment of messages about HPV vaccination in the news media.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/hpv-vaccines-and-the-media</link> </item> <item> <title>Probiotic shows potential against obesity</title> <description>Mice fed with a high-fat diet were less likely to be obese if they were given a probiotic derived from the Korean fermented fish dish, gajami sik-hae, scientists have found.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/probiotic-shows-potential-against-obesity</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - bacteria produced alginates</title> <description>Alginates produced by bacteria as an alternative to those derived from farmed brown seaweeds.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteria-produced-alginates</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbiology in the news - 2013</title> <description>2013 was a big year for microbiology stories. Here we review a few of the key topics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbiology-in-the-news-2013</link> </item> <item> <title>Antimicrobial resistance: a real and present danger</title> <description>During 2013 UK policy makers and politicians have taken up the issue of antibiotic resistance (AMR). Here we reproduce the Society's response to the House of Commons Select Committee inquiry into AMR.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antimicrobial-resistance-a-real-and-present-danger</link> </item> <item> <title>MMR and the media - a historical perspective</title> <description>Looking back at 2013, one cannot ignore the fact that the UK has experienced its largest outbreak of measles for nearly 20 years. Is the media to blame?</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/mmr-and-the-media</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - phytoplankton and bacteria populations linked in humic lakes</title> <description>Research on the interplay between phytoplankton and bacterial populations in humic lakes show that the dynamics of the two microbial communities are correlated.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/phytoplankton-and-bacteria-populations-linked-in-humic-lakes</link> </item> <item> <title>Genetic basis for severe flu</title> <description>Scientists have discovered that patients with a particular genetic variation are more likely to suffer the severe form of H7N9 flu, currently found in China.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/genetic-basis-for-severe-flu</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - erosion of microbial diversity reduces pollutant removal</title> <description>Research demonstrates that the erosion of microbial diversity can greatly affect major ecosystem services such as pollutant removal by an activated-sludge microbial community.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/erosion-of-microbial-diversity-reduces-pollutant-removal</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria to aid sustainable sugarcane production</title> <description>Scientists have discovered a bacterium that could reduce the use of fertiliser in sugarcane production and improve yield.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteria-to-aid-sustainable-sugarcane-production</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - bacteria engineered to produce plastic precursor</title> <description>Scientists have described how a bacterial P450 monooxygenase-based whole cell biocatalyst using Escherichia coli has been applied in the production of ?-hydroxy dodecanoic acid from dodecanoic acid (C12-FA) or the corresponding methyl ester.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteria-engineered-to-produce-plastic-precursor</link> </item> <item> <title>Movie microbes under the microscope</title> <description>Christmas is coming, and the TV schedule is packed full of films. But did you know that microbes have been movie stars since the earliest days of cinema?</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/movie-microbes-under-the-microscope</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - probiotics for dolphin health management</title> <description>For the first time, scientists have isolated lactobacilli from dolphins. This work paves the way for development of complementary health management strategies for marine mammals.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/probiotics-for-dolphin-health-management</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbes steal electrons to produce methane</title> <description>Scientists from the University of Massachusetts have found that interspecies electron transfer may allow microbes to produce methane.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/electronstealingmicrobes</link> </item> <item> <title>Songbirds' role in Lyme disease</title> <description>But new research shows that songbirds may be playing a role in the transmission of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/songbirds-role-in-lyme-disease</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - watercress extracts act in synergy with antibiotic</title> <description>Research shows potential for watercress and its natural compounds to improve the performance of antibiotics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/watercress-extracts-act-in-synergy-with-antibiotic</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbiology in the media special</title> <description>The latest editions of Microbiologist and Micropod examine microbiology topics in the media</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbiology-in-the-media-special</link> </item> <item> <title>Red squirrels show signs of resistance to pox</title> <description>Red squirrels in Merseyside have shown resistance to a pox virus which has previously devastated the red squirrel population</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/redsquirrelpox</link> </item> <item> <title>Profile of a honey bee killer</title> <description>Honey bees from stronger hives are taking home more than the honey stash from their weaker neighbours, as a honey bee killer stows away</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/profile-of-a-honey-bee-killer</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Bacterial communities associated with Microcystis colonies differ from free-living communities living in the same ecosystem</title> <description></description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microcystis-colonies-bacterial-habitat</link> </item> <item> <title>Amphotericin B may make flu worse</title> <description>Researchers from the University of Massachusetts and The Sanger Institute have shown that, in mice, the anti-fungal drug Amphotericin B interferes with the way the body defends itself against flu.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/amphotericin-b-may-make-flu-worse</link> </item> <item> <title>Applying bacterial metabolism using engineering principles</title> <description>The 2013 EMI lecturer, Professor Victor de Lorenzo has chosen to think like an engineer in order to harness biological systems for the biomonitoring, bioremediation and valorisation of chemical pollution in the environment</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/applying-bacterial-metabolism-using-engineering-principles</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - tackling biofilms with zinc</title> <description>Zinc as an agent for the prevention of biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/tackling-biofilms-with-zinc</link> </item> <item> <title>Genetically modified virus may produce better batteries</title> <description>Researchers from MIT have used a genetically modified virus to demonstrate that lithium air batteries could be significantly improved.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/lithiumairvirus</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - prebiotics, faecal transplants and microbial network units for gut health</title> <description>Image: Pearson Scott Foresman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/prebiotics-faecal-transplants-microbial-network-units-gut-health</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - dangers of overusing antimicrobials in fish farms</title> <description>Excessive use of antimicrobials in aquaculture can potentially negatively impact animal and human health as well as the aquatic environment and should be better assessed and regulated.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/dangers-overusing-antimicrobials-fish-farms</link> </item> <item> <title>Microbiome may be the key to restoring prairies</title> <description> Ecologists traditionally focus on restoring plants and animals to endangered environments and neglect the microbiome. Researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder have highlighted the importance of microbes in restoring habitats.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/prairiebugs</link> </item> <item> <title>Japanese superfood prevents flu infection</title> <description>Scientists have discovered that bacteria found in a traditional Japanese pickle can prevent flu. Could this be the next superfood?</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/japanese-superfood-prevents-flu-infection</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - new antimicrobials discovered in wild mushrooms</title> <description>Phenolic compounds from wild mushrooms show promise as antimicrobial agents, against microorganisms including some that are resistant to commercial antibiotics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antimicrobials-wild-mushrooms</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - Assembly-free metagenomic analysis reveals new metabolic capabilities in surface ocean bacterioplankton</title> <description></description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/assembly-free-metagenomic-analysis</link> </item> <item> <title>H7N9 flu re-emerges in China</title> <description>A new case of unexplained pneumonia in Zhejiang Province, China on 14 October has been confirmed in the laboratory as influenza A (H7N9).</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/H7N9flu-reemerges-china</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - methane, microbes and models</title> <description>Methane is an important greenhouse gas and microbes in the environment play major roles in both global methane emissions and terrestrial sinks. However, a full mechanistic understanding of the response of the methane cycle to global change is lacking.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/methane-microbes-models</link> </item> <item> <title>Open Access - a primer for authors</title> <description>The academic publishing environment is markedly more complex than in the years gone by: mandates for both funded and unfunded open access are proliferating, and authors are often confused by their options and obligations. Here, Wiley's Vicky Johnson offers a primer for authors.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/open-access-primer</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - junk food health risk for children</title> <description>Food safety is especially important for children.This study investigated the microbial quality of cheap and junk foods, and results indicate that these foods are a potential health risk for children in some countries.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/junk-food-health-risk-for-children</link> </item> <item> <title>Harnessing the collective intelligence in response to Chalara dieback of Ash</title> <description>Chalara dieback of Ash, commonly known as Ash Dieback Disease has been met with widespread anguish from the general public, creating a valuable opportunity to harness a collective passion for the topic and convert it into real contributions to scientific progress.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/chalara-facebook-fraxinus-game</link> </item> <item> <title>3D printing bacterial communities </title> <description>Scientists have created zoos of bacterial communities, using 3D printing, to achieve a greater understanding of quorum sensing and other properties. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/3dprinting</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - the quest for a microbiology lab-on-a-SuperChip</title> <description>Dr Terry C Hazen, at the University of Tennessee, says that a grand challenge for microbiology is to develop a SuperChip for microbial community structure, and function from all environments.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbiology-lab-on-a-superchip</link> </item> <item> <title>Furry, grey strawberry mould could hold key to Ash Dieback control</title> <description>Grey, furry fruit and veg at the back of the fridge? We have all been there. And it turns out that one of the main culprits, Botrytis cinerea, has a particularly special way of establishing itself on our strawberries, green beans, and more the 200 other plant species.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/botrytis-cinerea-furry-grey-strawberries-mould</link> </item> <item> <title>Journal highlight - silver and tea tree oil against common infections</title> <description>"Antimicrobial efficacy of liposome-encapsulated silver ions and tea tree oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans". Letters in Applied Microbiology.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/journal-highlight-silver-tea-tree-antimicrobial</link> </item> <item> <title>Autumn Meeting abstract date submission extended</title> <description>PECS members please note that the deadline for abstract submission for the Postgraduate and Early Career Scientists Conference on Â‘The peer review process and getting publishedÂ’ has been extended. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/abstractdeadline</link> </item> <item> <title>Big leap in development of universal flu vaccine</title> <description>Scientists from Imperial College London have announced they have created a blueprint for a universal flu vaccine.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/universalfluvaccineblueprint</link> </item> <item> <title>Risk to consumers from fungal toxins in shellfish should be monitored</title> <description>To protect consumers, screening shellfish for fungal toxins is important, say scientists. Research shows that in an area with contamination by strains of Penicillium fungus, bivalve molluscs will contain toxins at much higher levels than are found in the surrounding environment.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/risk-to-consumers-from-fungal-toxins-in-shellfish-should-be-monitored</link> </item> <item> <title>Programmes now available for 2014 Winter and Spring Meetings</title> <description>The Winter Meeting 2014 will focus on 'food contamination: the food handler's role' and 'biodefence'. The Spring Meeting is a one day meeting for those with an interest in clinical microbiology.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/programmes-winter-spring-2014</link> </item> <item> <title>At least 32,000 undiscovered viruses may be circulating in mammals</title> <description>Researchers from the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in the US, have estimated that there may be at least 32,000 viruses circulating in mammals which are awaiting discovery.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/mammalianviruses</link> </item> <item> <title>Tropical Microbiology Network</title> <description>We have recently launched a site within our member-only area that includes informative and easy to follow flowcharts and images for tropical microbiology diagnosis. This resource is accessible to members of the Society. This includes e-affiliate membership, which is free of charge and available to new members residing in a number of developing economies.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/tropical-microbiology-network</link> </item> <item> <title>Â‘Breast is bestÂ’: Good bacteria arrive from mumÂ’s gut via breast milk</title> <description>Scientists have discovered that important Â‘goodÂ’ bacteria arrive in babiesÂ’ digestive systems from their motherÂ’s gut via breast milk. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/breast-is-best-good-bacteria-arrive-from-mums-gut-via-breast-milk</link> </item> <item> <title>MERS-CoV isolated in tomb bat</title> <description>Scientists have isolated the MERS coronavirus in a bat faecal sample from Saudi Arabia.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/merscovbats</link> </item> <item> <title>Cut grass smell is key to healthier dairy products</title> <description>Dairy products could contain a higher proportion of healthy omega-3 fats all year round, thanks to a discovery reported today (21 August) in the Society for Applied MicrobiologyÂ’s Journal of Applied Microbiology.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/cut-grass-smell-is-key-to-healthier-dairy-products</link> </item> <item> <title>Mouth bacteria linked to cancer.</title> <description>Researchers have discovered that bacteria commonly found in the mouth may trigger an overactive immune response which has been linked to bowel cancer.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/mouthbacteriacancer</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria make high value products from elephant grass</title> <description>A team of researchers in China have recently demonstrated the potential to use Pennisetum purpureum, or Â‘elephant grassÂ’, as a feedstock to make alternatives to high value oil-based products.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteria-make-high-value-products-from-elephant-grass</link> </item> <item> <title>MicrobiologyOpen publishes 100th article</title> <description>MicrobiologyOpen has announced publication of its 100th article today (9 August 2013). MicrobiologyOpen is a Wiley Open Access journal and publishes papers submitted directly to the journal and those referred from a select group of prestigious journals, including all five SfAM journals.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microbiologyopen-publishes-100th-article</link> </item> <item> <title>Environmental Microbiology highlight in Science magazine</title> <description>This week's Science magazine Editor's Choice highlights an Early View paper from our journal, Environmental Microbiology. Research article "Bacterial social networks: structure and composition of Myxococcus xanthus outer membrane vesicle chains" is discussed in a highlight by Stella M. Hurtley (free to view with registration).</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/EMI-highlight-in-science-magazine</link> </item> <item> <title>PECS Autumn Meeting 2013</title> <description>Following the success of the first ever PECS Research Conference in 2012, your PECS committee would like to invite you to the second PECS Research Conference on Getting published and the peer review process.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/autumnmeeting2013</link> </item> <item> <title>Leaf cutter ants inspire powerful new anti-cancer drugs</title> <description>Scientists are developing a new class of anti-cancer drugs that are not only powerful but also circumvent a primary cause of resistance to chemotherapy. The work is inspired by natureÂ’s fungus farmer, the leaf cutter ant. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/leaf cutter ants cancer drugs</link> </item> <item> <title>New HIV drugs on the horizon</title> <description>Scientists are chasing the next generation of anti-HIV drugs. Dr Catherine Adamson will give the Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM) New Lecturer Research Grant Lecture this afternoon (3 July 2013) when she will share findings from her work on Bevirimat, a novel class of anti-HIV-1 drug.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/New HIV drugs on the horizon</link> </item> <item> <title>Workhorse of the dairy industry receives new assignment to tackle antibiotic problem</title> <description>Using synthetic biology, scientists have turned Lactococcus lactis Â– a bacterium used in the production of buttermilk and cheese Â– into a new workhorse of antibiotic discovery and synthesis.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/l lactis antibiotics</link> </item> <item> <title>Prebiotic supplement to improve health of overweight</title> <description>Scientists have developed a new supplement that promotes good gut bacteria and could reduce health issues associated with being overweight.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/prebiotic improve health of overweight</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM responds to 2013 government spending review</title> <description>The Chancellor George Osborne announced the 2013 spending review in a speech in parliament. SfAM responded to news that the science budget would remain frozen as per the 2010 spending review but an additional Â£1.1bn would be available for infrastructure investment to the end of the decade.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/spending review 2013</link> </item> <item> <title>Fungal diversity of healthy humans mapped </title> <description>Researchers have mapped fungal colonization on 10 healthy humans and discovered that the feet alone are home to nearly 200 species of fungi.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/fungalfeet</link> </item> <item> <title>Using bacteria to create malaria resistant mosquitoes</title> <description>Scientists have found that infecting mosquitoes with a certain strain of bacteria makes it very difficult for the malaria parasite to survive within the infected mosquitos.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/wolbachiamosquitoes</link> </item> <item> <title>Five dead from novel coronavirus</title> <description>Five people have died and two more are seriously ill as a result of the novel coronavirus Saudi health officials have confirmed.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/novcvirus</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM Spring Meeting 2013</title> <description>This yearÂ’s Spring Meeting once again took place in Stratford Upon Avon. The topic for the meeting was Â‘STIs in the 21st centuryÂ’.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SP13</link> </item> <item> <title>A million children could be at risk from measles</title> <description>Health experts have warned that there could be as many as a million school children at risk from measles as a result of the MMR vaccine scare.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/millionchildrenmeasles</link> </item> <item> <title>Gut bacteria red meat and heart disease</title> <description>Consuming too much of the nutrient carnitine, found in red meat, encourages the growth of certain gut bacteria, which may contribute to atherosclerosis, a thickening of the arteries. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/gutbugsandheartdisease</link> </item> <item> <title>First human cases of H7N9 flu.</title> <description>The World Health Organisation has reported the first human deaths from a H7N9 strain of flu. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/H7N9flu</link> </item> <item> <title>Officials recommend vaccination following measles outbreak in Wales</title> <description>There have been 316 confirmed cases of measles in south west Wales with 64 new cases confirmed in the last week.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/measleswales</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM's General Secretary speaks out about antibiotic resistance</title> <description>Following the Chief Medical Officer's report on antibiotic resistance this week, General Secretary Professor Mark Fielder has defended her comments saying that if we don't act quickly, antibiotic resistance could become a problem with catastrophic consquences.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibioticresistance</link> </item> <item> <title>Baby reportedly cured of HIV</title> <description>A two and a half year old baby has reportedly been cured of HIV following early, aggressive treatment with three antiretroviral drugs.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/HIVcurebaby</link> </item> <item> <title>Wrong immune response may help TB</title> <description>Scientists in the US have suggested that an incorrect immune response to may aid TB and create a more severe infection.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/tbimmuneresponse</link> </item> <item> <title>New flu drug shows promise against resistant strains</title> <description>A new flu drug has shown promise in mice models against resistant strains of the virus.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/resistantfludrug</link> </item> <item> <title>Strongest evidence yet that new coronavirus can spread between people.</title> <description>A man in the UK is thought to have contracted the new coronavirus from his father providing the strongest evidence yet that it can transmit between humans.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/newcoronavirustransmission</link> </item> <item> <title>Voice of the Future 2013</title> <description>The Society of Biology is organizing Voice of the Future 2013. This event gives Young Scientists (between the ages of 16 and 35) the opportunity to put their questions to Members of the House of Commons Select Committee on Science &amp; Technology and we have places.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/VOF2013</link> </item> <item> <title>Early diagnosis key to preventing hepatitis C epidemic</title> <description>Scientists have worked out the pattern of how hepatitis C is spread in a study of injecting drug users in Greece.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/hepcmodel</link> </item> <item> <title>Member discount to publish in Microbial Biotechnology and MicrobiologyOpen</title> <description>Society Members can now receive a discount to publish in the open access journals Microbial Biotechnology and MicrobiologyOpen.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/oadiscount</link> </item> <item> <title>Antibiotic resistance warning</title> <description>The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, has warned that the threat of increased antibiotic resistance is comparable to global warming.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibioticresistanceglobalwarming</link> </item> <item> <title>Leprosy spreads by reprogramming nerve cells</title> <description>Leprosy-causing bacteria are able to transform nerve cells in to stem cells and muscle cells in order to spread, scientists at Edinburgh University have discovered.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/leprosy</link> </item> <item> <title>Winter Meeting 2013</title> <description>The 2013 Winter Meeting was held at the prestigious Royal Society, London on the 9 January. The topics for the meeting were Emerging technologies in applied microbiology and Food mycology.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/WM13</link> </item> <item> <title>Rise in diagnoses of HIV amongst gay and bisexual men</title> <description>The number of new diagnoses of HIV amongst gay and bisexual men reached an all-time high in 2011 according to the latest figures from the HPA.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/rise in HIV diagnoses</link> </item> <item> <title>MRSA outbreak halted by scientists using whole genome sequencing</title> <description>Following an MRSA outbreak out a special care baby unit scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have, for the first time, used whole genome sequencing to trace the source of the outbreak.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/WholegenomeMRSAoutbreak</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM 2012 PresidentÂ’s dinner </title> <description>The 2012 PresidentÂ’s dinner was once again held at the elegant venue: One Great George Street, Westminster home of the Institute of Civil Engineers</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/presidentsdinner2012</link> </item> <item> <title>Ash trees under threat from fungus</title> <description>A species of fungus has been described as a serious threat to BritainÂ’s ash trees having previously killed 90% of DenmarkÂ’s ash trees it has already been responsible for the destruction of 100,000 trees in Britain.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Ash tree fungus</link> </item> <item> <title>Science Grrl Launch</title> <description>Today is the launch of the Science Grrl Calendar which has been designed to showcase real women doing great science.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sciencegrrl launch</link> </item> <item> <title>2012 Environmental Microbiology Lecture</title> <description>The 2012 Environmental Microbiology lecture, Â‘Metabolic Engineering for a Green Chemical IndustryÂ’ was delivered by Professor Sang Yup Lee</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/emi2012</link> </item> <item> <title>New SARS-like coronavirus discovered in UK</title> <description>A man being treated in Britain for a respiratory illness, similar to SARS, has been identified as being infected with a novel coronavirus.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/novelcoronavirus</link> </item> <item> <title>25% increase in gonorrhoea cases.</title> <description>Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show a 25% increase in gonorrhoea cases, in England, in 2011.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/25percentincreasegonorrhoea</link> </item> <item> <title>Hantavirus outbreak linked to Yosemite National Park</title> <description>Eight people have been diagnosed with hantavirus following an outbreak linked to a rural campsite at Yosemite National Park.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/yosemitehantavirus</link> </item> <item> <title>Flu may spread before symptoms show</title> <description>A study in ferrets has shown flu may be transmissible before the onset of symptoms researchers from Imperial College have announced. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ferretflu</link> </item> <item> <title>Babies given antibiotics are more likely to be overweight</title> <description>A study published in the International Journal of Obesity has shown a link between antibiotics use in babies and weight increase later in childhood.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibioticsbabiesweightgain</link> </item> <item> <title>First signs of human immunity to rabies discovered</title> <description>People from remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon have shown signs of immunity to rabies.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/rabiesimmunity</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2012: Day four</title> <description>The final day of the conference saw the conclusion of the Bioremediation session.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/day four</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2012: Day three</title> <description>The natural and experimental adaptation in bacteria session continued on day three of the Summer Conference.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC12daythree</link> </item> <item> <title>Science Showoff at the Summer Conference</title> <description>On Tuesday evening delegates were given the night off but had the option of attending Science Showoff Â“the night where anyone can communicate any kind of science in any wayÂ”.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/scienceshowoff Edinburgh 2012</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2012: Day two</title> <description>Day two, of the Summer Conference, began with the microbial resistance to antibiotics and biocides session</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sc12daytwo</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2012: Day one</title> <description>The Summer Conference 2012 was held at the very grand location of the George Hotel, Edinburgh.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC12 day 1</link> </item> <item> <title>Photographs needed</title> <description>Executive Committee members Clare Taylor and Samantha Law are putting together a stand at the British Science festival and they need your help! They are looking for images of certain microbes to appear on their posters.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/photos needed</link> </item> <item> <title>Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Edinburgh</title> <description>The suspected number of cases of Legionnaires' disease in Edinburgh has risen to 88, health officials have confirmed, in an outbreak which has seen one person die. However, experts are now predicting the numbers of new cases will soon begin to fall.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/legionnaires disease</link> </item> <item> <title>Winners of SfAM Communications Award announced</title> <description>Congratulations go to Anna Dumitriu and Vicky Young, winners of the SfAM Communications Award 2012 in the "Professional Communicator" and "Scientist" categories respectively.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/communicationsawardwinners</link> </item> <item> <title>Science Showoff comes to SfAM summer conference, Edinburgh</title> <description>Science Showoff comes to Edinburgh. On July 3rd, 7.30pm at the Voodoo Rooms, the night where anyone can communicate any kind of science in any way is in town.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/scienceshowoof</link> </item> <item> <title>Cases of gonorrhoea increase by 25% in England</title> <description>Newly diagnosed cases of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea increased by 25%, in England in 2011, compared with 2010, and experts are now warning it could become untreatable.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/gonorrhoeaincrease</link> </item> <item> <title>Society of Biology Photo Competition</title> <description>The Society of Biology photo competition is now open and they are looking for entries around the theme: Â‘How biology can save the worldÂ’.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Societyofbiologyphotocomp2012</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM Spring Meeting 2012</title> <description>This year's Spring Meeting once again took place in Stratford-upon-Avon. In celebration of 100 years of the IBMS the meeting took on a slightly different format with one morning session and two parallel afternoon sessions. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sp12</link> </item> <item> <title>Increase in cases of whooping cough in England</title> <description>The HPA have warned parents to make sure their childÂ’s vaccinations are up-to-date following an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough in England. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/whoopingcough2012england</link> </item> <item> <title>Big Bang Fair 2012</title> <description>Children, teenagers and adults alike got the opportunity to become disease detectives at the SfAM and British Society for Immunology stand at the Big Bang Fair 2012!</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Bigbang2012</link> </item> <item> <title>Voice of the Future 2012</title> <description>Four younger members of SfAM were given the opportunity to attend a reverse question time with the Science and Technology Select Committee on Wednesday 14 March organised by the Society of Biology. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/voiceofthefuture2012</link> </item> <item> <title>Communications Award 2012 - Open for nominations</title> <description>We have transformed the Communications Award for 2012! This year there will be two categories and two award winners!</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/commsaward2012</link> </item> <item> <title>Fireflies, Microbes and NASA</title> <description>What do fireflies, microbes and NASA have in common? Well thanks to one of our members you can now find out!</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bioluminescence</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria could be used to fight sleeping sickness</title> <description>Scientists in Belgium have genetically modified commensal bacteria present in the tsetse fly to fight the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacteriafightingsleepingsickness</link> </item> <item> <title>Big Bang Fair - Volunteers needed</title> <description>SfAM and the British Society for Immunology are looking for volunteers to help out at the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in March. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bigbangfair2012</link> </item> <item> <title>New model shows malaria deaths may be underestimated</title> <description>Latest research published in the Lancet estimates the number of deaths in 2010 from malaria at 1.2 million globally compared with a previous estimate by the WHO of 665,000.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/malariadeathsunderestimated</link> </item> <item> <title>Voice of the Future - event for young scientists</title> <description>The Society of Biology is organizing Voice of the Future 2012. This event gives Young Scientists (between the ages of 16 and 35) the opportunity to put their questions to Members of the House of Commons Select Committee in Science &amp; Technology and we have places.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/voice of the future</link> </item> <item> <title>Taps source of infection in Belfast neonatal unit</title> <description>A neonatal unit in Belfast has reported several deaths due to a bacterial infection, the source of which has been found to be a set of taps.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/belfastneonatalinfection</link> </item> <item> <title>Hope for a meningitis B vaccine</title> <description>A new vaccine has demonstrated nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing meningitis B in adolescents according to a study published in the Lancet.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/meningitisbvaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM Winter Meeting 2012</title> <description>The venue for this year's Winter Meeting was once again the Royal Society, London. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/wm12</link> </item> <item> <title>Cases of totally drug resistant TB reported in India</title> <description>Doctors in Mumbai have reported several cases of totally drug resistant Tuberculosis. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/totallydrugresistanttb</link> </item> <item> <title>New SfAM podcast</title> <description>Today, SfAM launch our new podcast. Our podcast features interesting people. This month we talk to the brilliant comedian Robin Ince on science in comedy, microbiology and mimophants.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/newsfampodcast</link> </item> <item> <title>Controversial badger cull to reduce bovine TB to be trialled.</title> <description>A cull of badgers will be trialled in two areas of the UK in an attempt to reduce the spread of bovine TB. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Badger cull</link> </item> <item> <title>Vaccine developed against the Ebola virus</title> <description>Scientists have developed a vaccine which successfully protects against the Ebola virus in mice. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ebolavaccinemice</link> </item> <item> <title>Measles warning for Europe</title> <description>The WHO have warned that European countries need to act now to tackle measles outbreaks.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/measlesoutbreak2011</link> </item> <item> <title>Autumn Meeting</title> <description>After receiving your feedback the PECS Committee are delighted to announce that they are in the initial stages of organizing a student focused one-day meeting.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/pecsnewsAM12</link> </item> <item> <title>Change in cervical cancer vaccine</title> <description>From September 2012 girls receiving the cervical cancer vaccine will be given Gardisil which also protects against genital herpes.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/gardasilHPVvaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Antibiotic myths still believed</title> <description>A study by the HPA has shown that many people still believe dangerous myths about antibiotics.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/antibioticmyths</link> </item> <item> <title>Melting microbes could impact earth's climate</title> <description>A study, published in Nature, has shown that microbes which have been frozen in the arctic permafrost are thawing out and are already having an impact on the climate.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/meltingmicrobes</link> </item> <item> <title>Genetically modified mosquitoes combat dengue fever</title> <description>UK scientists have genetically modified mosquitoes to try and reduce the spread of dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/gmmosquitoesdengue</link> </item> <item> <title>Scientists confirm bat illness is caused by a fungus</title> <description>White nose syndrome (WNS) the disease which has killed over a million bats across North America and Canada is caused by a fungus scientists have confirmed.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/wnsfungus</link> </item> <item> <title>Scientists suspect bacterium in bowel cancer</title> <description>Two separate teams of scientists have found a bacterium linked with skin ulcers and dental decay in colon tumours. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bowel cancer and bacteria</link> </item> <item> <title>Black Death genome sequenced.</title> <description>Scientists from Germany have used medieval graves to sequence the genome of the bacterium responsible for the Black Death.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/balckdeathgenome</link> </item> <item> <title> Environmental Microbiology Lecture 2011</title> <description>This yearÂ’s Environmental Microbiology lecture once again took place at the Royal Society of Medicine in London a fitting venue for this yearÂ’s talk, Â‘Microbes insideÂ’.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/EMI2011writeup</link> </item> <item> <title>New SfAM website!</title> <description>You're using the new SfAM website. Have a look round and feel free to let us know what you think.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/newwebsite</link> </item> <item> <title>Join PECS</title> <description>The PECS team would like to encourage any student or early career scientist, who is not already a member, to join PECS</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/joinPECS</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacterial encryption - using bacteria to send secret messages</title> <description>Using genetically engineered bacteria scientists have created a new method of producing secret messages. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/bacterialencryption</link> </item> <item> <title>Trial gives hope for a malaria vaccine</title> <description>A preliminary study of a malaria vaccine in Burkina Faso has shown promising results and the study is being expanded.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/malariavaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Society of Biology Science Communication Forum Report Launched</title> <description>The Society of Biology and Stempra held an event at the British Science Festival in September. The event was to launch a report written by Jenna Stevens-Smith of the Society of Biology (SB) which represents the culmination of over 6 months work in fostering collaboration between members of staff at the Member Organisations (MOs) of the SB. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sbscicommreport</link> </item> <item> <title>A new insight into Aids research from glowing cats</title> <description>Scientists have successfully genetically modified a cat to make it resist feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) giving hope to similar avenues for Aids research.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/glowing cats</link> </item> <item> <title>Mind controlling viruses and melting caterpillars</title> <description>Scientists have discovered the caterpillar controlling virus, baculovirus, uses just one gene to control the caterpillars it infects. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/baculovirus</link> </item> <item> <title>Fighting dengue fever with bacteria </title> <description>Scientists have infected mosquitoes with bacteria that make them less able to carry the virus responsible for dengue fever. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/denguewolbachia</link> </item> <item> <title>E. coli engineered to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection</title> <description>Scientists in Singapore have modified E. coli to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/ecolikillspseudomonas</link> </item> <item> <title>MicrobiologyOpen now accepting manuscript submissions </title> <description>SfAM Members are eligible for a 10% discount when submitting a manuscript directly to the new Wiley open access journal MicrobiologyOpen. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/microopenmemberdiscount</link> </item> <item> <title> Producing hydrogen fuel from microbial enzymes</title> <description>Scientists have developed a means of producing hydrogen fuels for cars based on an enzyme found in microbes.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/hydrogenfuel</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2011: Day four</title> <description>The final day of the conference covered novel technologies to control safety and stability.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC11day4</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2011: Day three</title> <description>The conference continued on day three with the second part of the topic Epidemiology of foodborne diseases</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC11day3</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2011: Day two</title> <description>The second day of the conference promised a fascinating day of lectures on two topics, "Pathogen updates" and "Epidemiology of foodborne disease". </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC11daytwo</link> </item> <item> <title>Summer Conference 2011: Day one</title> <description>This year's Summer Conference was held in Clontarf Castle, Dublin, a very grand setting for what proved to be an excellent scientific programme</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/SC11dayone</link> </item> <item> <title>Latest thematic issue from Microbial Biotechnology on Extremophiles</title> <description>The latest issue of Microbial Biotechnology focuses on extremophiles.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/journalnews2</link> </item> <item> <title>EMIR achieves a 2010 Impact Factor of 3.076</title> <description>The 2010 Impact Factor announcements today spelt good news for all SfAM journals, especially the new journal, Environmental Microbiology Reports.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/journalnews</link> </item> <item> <title> Frog fungus reaches last protected area in Central America</title> <description>The frog fungus responsible for the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis has reached Panama's 'frog paradise'</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Frogfunguspanama</link> </item> <item> <title>New strain of E. coli causing German outbreak</title> <description>The strain of E. coli causing an outbreak in Europe is a previously unseen strain experts at the World Health Organisation have said.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/GermanEcoli</link> </item> <item> <title>Mobile phone app developed to track the spread of flu</title> <description>Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an app for mobile phones to help monitor the way infectious diseases, including flu, are spread.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/phoneappflu</link> </item> <item> <title>Measles epidemic confirmed in Europe </title> <description></description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/measlesepidemiceurope</link> </item> <item> <title>Petting farms handwash reminder </title> <description>Visitors to petting farms are being reminded to wash their hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of bacteria.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/pettingfarmshandwash</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM Spring Meeting 2011</title> <description>This year's Spring Meeting once again took place in sunny Stratford-upon-Avon at the Stratford Q Hotel. The venue was the perfect setting for a day of talks on Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs). </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Spring</link> </item> <item> <title>Bacteria could be putting sweet potato crop at risk </title> <description>Almost the entire population of sweet-potato whitefly, an aphid like creature which has caused devastation to sweet potato crops, have been infected with Rickettsia bellii in the past six years.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/sweetpotatowhitefly</link> </item> <item> <title>New TB vaccine developed</title> <description>Researchers from Imperial College London have discovered a protein which could be targeted for the development of a new tuberculosis vaccine.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/TB vaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Commensal bacteria fighting the flu</title> <description>Scientists have found that bacteria in the gut of mice help to fight off the flu. The neomycin sensitive bacteria started an immune response triggering the production of T-cells and antibodies to fight the flu virus. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/commensals fight flu</link> </item> <item> <title>The end of BSE</title> <description>The BSE epidemic first identified in 1987 as a mystery brain disease in cattle has come to an end. There were only 17 cases reported worldwide in cattle last year. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/end of BSE</link> </item> <item> <title>Flu breakthrough could potentially lead to a universal vaccine </title> <description>Scientists at Oxford University have developed a new vaccine targeting a different part of the flu virus which could make the vaccine effective against all strains of flu. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/UniversalFluVaccine</link> </item> <item> <title>Wiley launches a new open access journals program</title> <description>Wiley have announced a new publishing program of open access journals today, Wiley Open Access.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Open access journals</link> </item> <item> <title>Calling budding authors</title> <description>The PECS team are currently looking for authors to contribute articles to the PECS pages of Microbiologist. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/pecsauthors</link> </item> <item> <title>Lab creates chicken which does not spread bird flu</title> <description>Scientists have genetically modified a chicken to make it unable to spreads flu viruses including, avian influenza H5N1. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/chickenbirdflu</link> </item> <item> <title>SfAM Winter Meeting 2011</title> <description>This year's Winter Meeting once again took place at the Royal Society, London. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/Winter Meeting 2011</link> </item> <item> <title>Malaria parasites sync with their host's body clock </title> <description>A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B has found that the malaria parasites, plasmodia, have synchronized with their hosts internal clocks to increase their survival rate</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/malariabodyclocks</link> </item> <item> <title>President's dinner 2010</title> <description>This year's President's dinner was once again spent at One Great George Street, Westminster. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/presidentsdinner2010</link> </item> <item> <title>Environmental Microbiology Lecture 2010</title> <description>The 2010 Environmental Microbiology lecture "Microbial Resource Management (MRM): the way forward for environmental biotech." was presented by Professor Willy Verstraete from The Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent university.</description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/EMI2010</link> </item> <item> <title>Competition for PECS Members </title> <description></description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/PECS Competition</link> </item> <item> <title>Table of contents alerts</title> <description>For a fast and convenient route to the most recently published articles in the SfAM journals you can set up journal e-alerts on Wiley Online Library. </description> <link>http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/test-section/news.cfm/journalnews3</link> </item> </channel> </rss>