Scientific illustration showing the gut microbiome in the intestine
25 Apr 2024

The Human Gut Microbiome

Human microbiome research is an exciting and dynamic field that has the potential to benefit many areas of our society and the economy. Microbiome research has progressed rapidly since the development of new genomic technologies and investment in large-scale, collaborative projects such as The Human Microbiome Project, a ten-year research initiative launched in 2007 which set out to characterise the human microbiome and its role in health and disease. Evidence from this project, alongside more recent studies, suggests that the findings from microbiome research can be used to improve human health.

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IJSEM IBD microbes.png
12 Jan 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Investigators at University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, The Netherlands, and Yale University, USA, have isolated and characterised two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The previously unknown bacterial species, which were named Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are isolated from the intestinal microbiota from two different patients and are the first members of the Allobaculum genus found in humans. In-depth characterisation revealed that the strains were highly efficient in breaking down the protective mucus layer of the gut and provoked potent immune responses. These findings highlight the potential role for bacteria in the pathogenesis of IBD and may contribute to future preventive therapy. 

News
07 Sep 2022

A new front in microbial warfare – researchers explore a bacterial nano-weapon that targets pathogenic yeasts

When it comes to disease-causing microbes, bacteria and viruses usually steal the spotlight. But there is another, often overlooked, microbial foe that is a grave cause for concern. Fungal pathogens cause an estimated 1.5 million human deaths and destroy a third of the global crop yield each year. Despite this impact on human health and food security, the number of antifungal drugs available is extremely limited.

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Cover of Microbiology Today, issue of May 2019
07 May 2019

Metabolism, Health and Disease

The May issue of Microbiology Today focuses on the varied interactions between humans and micro-organisms in terms of metabolism, health and disease. This issue's feature articles focus on a range of microbes, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, looking at both the beneficial impact on human health and how they cause disease.

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Cover of Microbiology Today, issue of May 2017
09 May 2017

The Microbiome

Microbiome research is a hot topic at the moment, and this timely May 2017 issue of Microbiology Today focuses on how microbiomes influence human health as well as the wider world around us.

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Purple-stained microscopic tissue sample showing cellular structures and patterns
12 Feb 2013

The Human Microbiota

The human microbiota is the community of trillions of micro-organisms that live on and in the body. It can play a vital role in regulating our health and has been linked to diseases such as type II diabetes and Crohn’s disease. It is therefore under intensive scientific investigation.

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Cover of Microbiology Today, issue of February 2012
01 Feb 2012

The neonate and early childhood

This February 2012 issue of Microbiology Today looks at the positive and negative effects of bacteria and viruses on the human body at one of the most vulnerable times of our life.

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Cover of Microbiology Today, issue of February 2008
01 Feb 2008

Life On Us

The February 2008 issue of Microbiology Today focuses on microbes that live on or in the human body.

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Cover of Microbiology Today, issue of November 2001
01 Nov 2001

Microbes and the Human Body

The November 2001 issue of Microbiology Today focuses on the human body. From the cradle to the grave, the human body interacts closely with micro-organisms. In this issue of your award-winning magazine we explore some of the relationships encountered at different stages in our lives.

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