As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, the Editors from across our hybrid and OA microbiology journals look back to 2023 and highlight some of the great work published in their journals during the preceding year:

Beneficial Bacteria and Plant Extracts Promote Honey Bee Health and Reduce Nosema ceranae Infection

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12602-022-10025-7

In this article, the authors tested the efficacy of using a bacterial mixture (bifidobacteria + lactobacilli) and a plant extract to provide honey bees with protection against fungal infection by Nosema ceranae. N.ceranae causes nosemosis, a disease that impact colony health and can result in colony death. The study showed that the additives were effective in improving bee health and reducing infection, and furthered understanding of N.ceranae infection.  

Rewilding in Miniature: Suburban Meadows Can Improve Soil Microbial Biodiversity and Soil Health

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00248-023-02171-4

This article investigates ecologically-friendly alternatives to lawns – often created for human enjoyment, leisure, and aesthetics, lawns can have negative environmental impacts caused by maintenance and fertilization. By comparing microbial and chemical soil characteristics in both lawns and meadows, the authors discuss the possible benefits of meadow restoration for biodiversity and soil health.

Bioremediation of environments contaminated with mercury. Present and perspectives

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11274-023-03686-1

The article "Bioremediation of environments contaminated with mercury. Present and perspectives" discusses the toxic element mercury and how its increased emissions harm our environment. The effects of mercury, or Hg pollution, can be seen in aquatic life, the atmosphere, soil, crop production and food safety. The authors of this article explore the various methods of Bioremediation, and how establishing new procedures will be essential in restoring ecosystems. It is crucial to highlight the use of biotechnological methods and bioremediation and its future development in research as we strive towards creating a healthier environment.

Microbial hitchhikers harbouring antimicrobial-resistance genes in the riverine plastisphere

https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-023-01662-3

This paper highlights several key problems that humanity is facing: pollution of our waterways, antimicrobial resistance and plastic waste and how they have come together to create a ‘super problem’. Studies like these are looking at real world problems and give us an early warning – meaning we can stop the problem getting worse.  

A summary of the paper can be viewed in this videobyte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syTEDtbW4Yk

HIV infection of uncommon host cells

https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/HIVInfUnHCells

HIV primarily infects human T cells and macrophages, and much of the research on HIV pathogenesis and an HIV cure is focused on these cell types. The articles in this special collection take a look HIV infection in uncommon cells, and what challenges they might present to future studies and treatment.

A mini review on green nanotechnology and its development in biological effects

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00203-023-03467-2

The essence of biotechnology is to learn how to work with living organisms to create outcomes beneficial to humans (e.g., production of insulin or biological wastewater treatment). Nanotechnology is already applied in many areas of our lives – have you ever wondered what makes your glasses antireflective, antifog, scratch-resistant and much more? All thanks to special nanoscale films – and it is developing very fast to deliver even more exciting developments.

Nanoparticles are the fundamental units of nanotechnology and are between 1 and 100 nm. Metal nanoparticles such as gold, silver, and copper are of special interest since they are widely used in applications ranging from electronics to medicine, e.g., in sensors, imaging, and targeted and controlled drug delivery applications. These particles can be produced using physical or chemical processes. They can be produced using biotechnology, too, which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

A romance between biotechnology and nanotechnology leads to “green nanotechnology”, a variety of procedures that enhance the environmental sustainability of nanoparticles production or producing nanoparticles used to enhance sustainability. Green nanomaterials can be used in a variety of biotechnological sectors such as medicine and biology, as well as in the food and textile industries, wastewater treatment and agriculture field.

There are several methods for green synthesis of nanoparticles, involving bacteria and actinomycetes, yeasts and fungi, algae, and plants. In this article, readers can find a detailed description of green production of nanoparticles, its mechanisms, benefits, important factors and other interesting information about nanoparticles. A recommended read!

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