Swine brucellosis is spreading from Queensland into New South Wales. It’s carried by feral pigs and poses a real risk the people and dogs that hunt them.
Simple and inexpensive gene-editing technology such as CRISPR has made the creation of genetically modified organisms much easier. But could nature still keep the upper hand?
Humans play host to many little passengers. Right now, you’re incubating, shedding or have already been colonised by viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal microorganisms - perhaps even all of them.
Gas buried in the Northern Territory’s Velkerri Shale was produced in a “slime world” that existed nearly a billion years before the first complex life on Earth evolved.
Trillions of microorganisms living inside your digestive system may influence your health and even your weight. Here’s how your gut may communicate with your brain, bone marrow and immune system.
For most of the twentieth century, we were at war with microbes, leading to substantial changes in our body’s ecosystem. This has changed our diets, disease profile, moods and even personalities.
Several sites in the US are releasing bacteria-infected mosquitoes as a way to fight mosquito-borne viruses that threaten people. What’s the science – and how well will it work?
When commemorating our troops, doctors and nurses this Anzac Day, consider also tipping your hat to the discovery of bacteriophages. In the post-antibiotic era, our health might just depend on them.
Crop probiotics are natural, eco-friendly and could provide huge benefits for Australian farmers. But our loose regulations means genuine products are competing with snake oil.
Antibiotic resistance is a major health threat that causes almost 700,000 deaths a year, and its toll is expected to grow. Here are some things you can do to offer your own resistance.