- Research methods ×
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Making microbiological research affordable and open-source
October 15, 2018
Improving access to research and data is a topic many of our members are passionate about. Humane Technologies is a company set up by some microbiologists from the University of Warwick. Humane Technologies have developed an affordable photometer that allows continuous monitoring of microbial growth, called MicrobeMeter. Below, they explain what inspired them to make this equipment freely available and why you shouldn't need huge amounts of funding to make important scientific discoveries.
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Using animals in biomedical research: Why education holds the key
June 13, 2018
Animal (or in vivo) experiments play an important role in biomedical research. They are essential to support the development of innovative medicines which can ultimately improve human and animal health. But for these studies to be scientifically valid, laboratory animals must be used appropriately by researchers. Similarly, researchers must be able to meaningfully interpret and critique published data, discriminating between well-designed and flawed in vivo experiments. Improving this knowledge base within the biomedical workforce improves reproducibility of research which in turn supports biomedical innovation
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How is the hepatitis C-like hepacivirus of horses transmitted?
October 11, 2016
In 2011, a new virus was identified in dogs that were suffering from respiratory disease. Analysis revealed that this virus – at the time named canine hepacivirus (CHV) – was the closest known relative of the human virus hepatitis C (HCV), which infects millions of people across the world and can cause serious liver problems.
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Spotlight on Grants: The motility of Staphylococcus aureus
October 3, 2016
Each year, the Microbiology Society awards a number of grants that enable undergraduates to work on microbiological research projects during the summer vacation. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting a series of articles from students who were awarded Harry Smith Vacation Studentships this summer. This week is Megan Davies, a second year student from the University of Sheffield.
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From space to stomach ulcers
August 19, 2016
Could a machine for detecting molecules in space be used to identify bacteria that cause stomach ulcers? This is the question that Dr Geraint ‘Taff’ Morgan and his colleagues, Professors Ejaz Huq and Phil Prewett, from Oxford MicroMedical Ltd are trying to solve.
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New to Science: July 2016
August 10, 2016
A few days later than planned – but here are the highlights from the July issue.
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On the Horizon: The spread of Lassa fever
July 21, 2016
On the Horizon is the Society’s blog series on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. For this article, we spoke to Dr Lina Moses from Tulane University in New Orleans about Lassa fever, a viral infection spreading across parts of West Africa.
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Microbe Machines: How ‘souped-up’ bacterial motors produce more torque
May 17, 2016
Many bacteria have tiny motors inside them, which they use to zip around like miniature submarines. Recently, scientists have managed to image a diverse selection of these nanomachines in more detail than ever before, and gain fundamental insights into how they work.
