Explore the buzz surrounding the world of insect-microbiome interactions in our upcoming FEMS Microbiology Ecology Webinar. Discover the latest research showcasing how microbial communities influence the lives of various insects, from bees to bark beetles. Our first study reviews beneficial fungi associated with bees, revealing their impact on bee behaviour, health, and ecosystem roles. The second paper examines the effects of glyphosate on bumblebee gut microbiota, highlighting potential risks to bee health and biodiversity. Lastly, we’ll investigate the dynamic changes in the gut microbiome ..read more

Contemporary artists always seek new ideas to express their creative minds. Many get inspired by nature and, especially, by rare natural phenomena. In their quests to push the boundaries of contemporary art, some bio-artists turn their focus to the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescence. In this #FEMSmicroBlog, Antonios Michas explains why bio-artists choose bioluminescence in their work and what challenges they face. #MicrobiologyInArt   The fascinating natural process of bioluminescence Several organisms can produce light with chemical reactions; one of which is the astounding biolum ..read more

Like all organisms from the three domains of life, archaea suffer from viral infections. While molecular mechanisms for viruses infecting humans or bacteria are well characterized, archaeal viruses are still understudied due to the difficulty of cultivating archaeal strains or sampling bias. The short review “Archaeal virus entry and egress” gives an overview of the current state of knowledge on the infection strategies of archaeal viruses, as summarised by Bastian Kuiper, Anna Schöntag and Tessa Quax in this #FEMSmicroBlog. #FascinatingMicrobes   The uniqueness of archaea and their virus ..read more

Microorganisms carry a myriad of genes involved in metabolic processes that are essential to ecosystem functioning and maintaining life on Earth. Some microorganisms have particularly interesting metabolic capabilities, such as the degradation of pollutants and toxic compounds, as explained in the review “Microbial degradation of naphthenic acids using constructed wetland treatment systems: metabolic and genomic insights for improved bioremediation of process-affected water” in FEMS Microbiology Ecology. In this #FEMSmicroBlog, Paula Reis explores how microorganisms represent a sustainable, lo ..read more

Cyanobacteria are important for aquatic ecosystems as they produce numerous bioactive molecules. Many cyanobacteria form large biofilms on different surfaces which can even become visible to the naked eye. The study “Genomes of nine biofilm-forming filamentous strains of Cyanobacteria (genera Jaaginema, Scytonema, and Karukerafilum gen. nov.) isolated from mangrove habitats of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles)” identified metabolically diverse cyanobacteria species in mangrove biofilms. In this interview, Sebastien Duperron explains why biodiversity is not only about large plants or animals but als ..read more

FEMS is seeking three members to join its Board of Directors who are committed to advancing the Federation of European Microbiological Societies’ (FEMS) mission and purpose, starting on 1 January 2025. Whether you are an early career scientist looking to make your mark or an established professional eager to give back to the community, we invite you to nominate yourself or pass this call onto colleagues who embody the values and aspirations of our community. As an executive body, the Board is a group of committed volunteers consisting of the President and seven Board members. Together, they gu ..read more

We are looking for talented candidates to join our team! If you are keen to use your skills for a mission-driven non-profit that works for the microbiology community then please see our current vacancies below: Events: Events Manager Events Programme Officer Marketing & Communications: Digital Marketing Officer Graphic Designer and Visual Brand Officer Organisation Support: Maternity cover for Governance & Executive Support Officer Application deadline for all vacancies is 2 April. Please apply via the links above. The post We Are Hiring appeared first on FEMS ..read more

Embark on an icy exploration with the FEMS Microbiology Ecology Webinar on Polar and Alpine Microbiology, where cutting-edge research unveils the hidden microbial worlds of Greenland’s ice sheets, thawing permafrost, and irradiated snowpacks. Discover how diverse microbial communities adapt to extreme cold, respond to global warming, and face the challenges of increased solar irradiation. From the depths of ancient permafrost to the surface of sunlit snow, our speakers will share their insights into the resilience and complexity of life in these extreme environments. REGISTER NOW Date: Th ..read more

Get ready to celebrate excellence in microbiology research as we proudly announce the winners of the FEMS Journals Article Awards for 2023! These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of researchers who have pushed the boundaries of knowledge in the field of microbiology. Join us as we showcase the remarkable achievements of these scientists. All authors who published in the FEMS Journals in 2023 were automatically considered for an award upon submission of their papers. The Editors-in-Chief and Editorial Boards of each journal select their best article and award €1,000 split equally ..read more

All living organisms are susceptible to infections by viruses. Viruses infecting bacteria, so-called bacteriophages or phages, are amongst the most abundant and evolutionary successful forms of life on Earth. One reason is their sophisticated mechanisms to avoid the bacterial immune system. The study “T5-like phage BF23 evades host-mediated DNA restriction and methylation” in microLife helped unravel these mechanisms, as Artem Isaev explains in this #FEMSmicroBlog. #FascinatingMicrobes   Phages resisting bacterial defenses As natural predators of bacteria, phages could be allies for human ..read more