ASM's Agar Art Contest 2025 Winners

“The Symbiotic Planet: A Microbial Perspective”by Ankit Gurung

ASM announced the winners of the 11th annual Agar Art Contest, which received a record-breaking 557 submissions. Since 2015, ASM's Agar Art Contest has provided scientists and artists with a platform to showcase their creativity by using live microbes to "paint" images on agar, a gelatin-like substance that serves as food for the microorganisms. Explore the winning submissions for this year’s theme, “Microbes Make the World Go Round.”

 

This year's contest theme, "Microbes Make the World Go Round,” invited participants to highlight the essential role microbes play in our daily lives, from supporting ecosystems to enabling key innovations in health and industry. 

“Each year, the Agar Art Contest entries reveal just how beautiful, diverse and surprising the microbial world can be,” said Aleea Khan, Director of Marketing and Communications at ASM. “This year’s theme inspired entries that illuminate the essential and often unseen roles microbes play in sustaining life.”

Johnie Urias, a medical lab technologist at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg in Canada, won first place with “Circles of Life: Microbes in Motion.” Urias’ winning piece features 7 interconnected plates in which microbes appear to move from 1 to the next, symbolizing the vast networks microbes create across soil, water, plants and the human body. He used Chromobacterium violaceum, a soil and water bacterium that produces the vivid purple pigment violacein, a compound known for its striking color and its ability to combat bacteria, fungi, parasites and even cancer cells. 

"Circles of Life: Microbes in Motion."

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Stephany Young, a professor at Universidad de Panamá in Panama City, won first place with “The Hidden Power of Microorganisms: No microbes, no life…” Young’s piece was created using Serratia marcescens, Micrococcus spp. and a diverse collection of environmental bacteria isolated from insects, small animals and leaves placed onto nutrient agar. After incubation, colonies with distinct pigmentation were selected to form the final artwork, a depiction of the rich microbial world that surrounds us. 

“The Hidden Power of Microorganisms: No microbes, no life…”

Source: American Society for Microbiology

The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 38,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.   
   
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to all audiences. 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

AES Cleanroom Technology Expands Southeast Footprint with New Office in Research Triangle Park

Image: AES, with permission

 

 

AES Cleanroom Technology, an award-winning leader in modular cleanroom design and construction, has opened a new regional office in Research Triangle Park (RTP), reinforcing its commitment to serving the Southeast’s fast-growing life sciences, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The new office strengthens AES’s presence within North Carolina’s innovation corridor — one of the nation’s most active life sciences ecosystems, and enhances its ability to deliver modular cleanroom projects with greater speed, precision, and local support.

“The Research Triangle Park represents one of the most dynamic life sciences ecosystems in the country, and we’re excited to strengthen our presence in this thriving market,” said Chris Miller, CEO of AES Cleanroom Technology. “Our expansion allows us to bring our full-spectrum capabilities—from initial design through manufacturing and construction—directly to the innovators shaping the future of life sciences.”

The RTP office will operate as a dedicated hub for AES’s vertically integrated project model, which unites design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction under one roof. This approach simplifies project delivery, shortens timelines, and ensures compliance with FDA, ISO, and other regulatory standards.

Recognized with 15 Facility of the Year Awards (FOYAs) for its innovative modular cleanroom projects, AES serves clients across sectors including pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, medical device production, advanced electronics, research and development, and healthcare.

“Having a dedicated local team allows us to work directly alongside our clients throughout their projects and provide real-time support during critical phases,” added John Costalas, Vice President of Construction. “Our Made-in-USA manufacturing ensures quality control, eliminates foreign supply chain dependencies, and supports faster project delivery.”

AES’s expansion into RTP reflects its broader strategy of investing in regional markets that foster innovation and collaboration. By deepening its Southeast footprint, the company aims to help life sciences and technology organizations reduce risk, shorten time-to-market, and bring high-quality products to patients and customers faster.

 

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

What Nature Teaches Us About Leading with Seasonal Intelligence

 Nature. Image by Tim Sandle

Between mid-October and mid-November, something in me shifts. The light softens, the air sharpens, and my thoughts seem to settle into focus. I feel more connected to nature and more content, as if my mind and body fall into sync with the world around me. For years, I treated this as a simple fondness for autumn. Now, I see it as biology at work.

By Scott Hutcheson, PhD

Humans evolved in rhythm with the planet’s cycles. Before clocks, calendars, or quarterly reports, we relied on natural cues to govern when to hunt, plant, rest, and reflect. That deep synchronization with the environment has not disappeared. It still lives in our biology, quietly shaping our mood, attention, and motivation. Some people feel most alive in the energy of spring. Others come to life in the long days of summer or the stillness of winter. These are not just preferences; they are expressions of our circannual biology, the seasonal patterns that influence how we think, feel, and act.

The Biology of Seasonal Attunement

Our bodies regulate themselves through interconnected clocks. The circadian rhythm governs daily cycles like sleep and alertness. The circannual rhythm operates more slowly, syncing with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Large-scale datasets show that human gene activity shifts with both day–night and season across tissues, indicating that biology itself is time-tuned. A Nature Communications study found that more than 4,000 human genes vary in activity depending on the time of year. Research shows that hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune responses fluctuate seasonally in nearly every species, humans included.

As daylight shortens, melatonin begins its nightly rise earlier, cueing rest and introspection. Journal of Neuroscience research shows seasonal effects on dopamine synthesis, helping explain why serotonin and dopamine levels stabilize, often producing a quieter, steadier mood. Cortisol, the stress hormone, tends to decline slightly, easing the nervous system from high alert to reflective mode. This combination of lower stress and higher stability helps explain why autumn often feels grounding and clear. Biologically speaking, it is the body’s signal to consolidate, conserve, and prepare for renewal.

Our sensory systems reinforce the effect. Cooler temperatures sharpen olfactory perception, and the air carries fewer competing smells, making scent and memory more vivid. The acoustic environment also changes: leaves absorb sound, and migrating wildlife soften the soundscape. These quieter, simpler inputs reduce what neuroscientists call environmental noise, allowing for greater perceptual coherence and calm. For those who are sensitive to seasonal shifts, clinicians note how reduced light drives changes in sleep and mood.

Evolutionary Echoes

For much of human history, this time of year meant survival. The harvest was in, food stores were full, and communities turned inward to share, reflect, and prepare for scarcity. That pattern likely rewarded behaviors tied to safety and belonging. Modern imaging studies echo this biological seasonality, showing changes in serotonin transporter binding and, in emerging work, dopamine receptor availability across seasons. The same circuitry still activates today when we gather around a meal, light a fire, or take long walks under changing leaves. What feels like nostalgia is often our biology recognizing an ancient rhythm of completion and security.

Not everyone resonates with autumn. Some feel most aligned with the novelty of spring or the stimulation of summer. Differences in how our clocks and neurotransmitter systems respond to light and season help explain this variation. Reviews and population-level studies continue to map how these rhythms influence behavior and mood.

Rhythms of Leadership and Work

The challenge for modern leaders is that organizational life often ignores these natural oscillations. We plan as if energy, focus, and motivation are constants. In reality, both individuals and teams function in biological cycles of activation and recovery. 

Understanding these cycles can make us more effective and humane leaders.

Autumn is the season of reflection and consolidation. It is a natural time for reviewing progress, harvesting lessons, and strengthening connection. Winter favors deep work, strategic thinking, and quiet planning. Spring supports ideation and exploration. Summer energizes execution, visibility, and scaling.

Leaders who attune to these rhythms, not as rigid schedules but as behavioral patterns, can create environments that align with how humans actually function. When we push through winter expecting constant output or ignore the need for autumnal reflection, performance eventually suffers. Our biology keeps its own score.

Practical ways to Lead in Rhythm

Here are four suggestions for leading with seasonal intelligence.

1. Observe your own peak season. Reflect on when you feel most creative, focused, or relational. Track how your energy and mood shift month to month. That awareness becomes a behavioral compass for scheduling demanding or restorative work.

2. Align team rhythms with natural energy arcs. Use late autumn for retrospectives, winter for planning, spring for experimentation, and summer for scaling. Even symbolic alignment helps people feel in sync with a larger pattern.

3. Simulate your preferred season when needed. If you thrive in autumn but face the chaos of midsummer, adjust light exposure, temperature, and sensory cues. Lower lighting and cooler air, for example, promote the same parasympathetic calm associated with fall.

4. Normalize cyclical performance. High-functioning teams move through seasons of intensity and reflection. When leaders treat this as natural rather than problematic, burnout decreases and creativity rises.

This rhythm-based lens echoes what biology already teaches: systems that pulse, pause, and renew are the ones that last.

Reclaiming Seasonal Intelligence

The industrial world taught us to override nature’s timing, but the cost has been stress, disconnection, and exhaustion. The opportunity is to relearn what our bodies have always known: that effectiveness follows alignment. When leaders restore that connection, they not only perform better but also model a more sustainable way of living and working.

For me, autumn remains the reminder. The air cools, the light shifts, and I can feel the noise fall away. The signal becomes clear. Nature is whispering what every leader eventually learns: the key to momentum is rhythm, not speed.

Scott Hutcheson, PhD, is a professor at Purdue University and author of Biohacking Leadership: Leveraging the Biology of Behavior to Maximize Impact. He specializes in leadership, team, and organizational performance through the lens of behavioral science and human ecosystems.

 

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

New bacterial therapy destroys cancer without the immune system

 Image:  Blausen Medical  - Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56845133

A research team at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and the University of Tsukuba, has created an innovative cancer treatment that works without relying on the immune system. The new approach uses a unique microbial partnership known as AUN, forming the foundation of an immune-independent bacterial therapy.

The concept of bacterial cancer therapy dates back to 1868, when German physician Busch reported that a cancer patient deliberately infected with bacteria later experienced remission. In 1893, Dr. William Coley further advanced this idea by developing bacterial-based treatments, paving the way for modern immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies.

While these treatments have transformed cancer care, they share a major drawback: they depend heavily on the immune system. For patients whose immunity is weakened by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, such therapies often fail to work effectively.

AUN: Two Bacteria in Perfect Balance

The newly developed AUN therapy directly overcomes this limitation. It is made up of two naturally occurring bacterial species:

• Proteus mirabilis (A-gyo), a bacterium that naturally resides in tumors
• Rhodopseudomonas palustris (UN-gyo), a photosynthetic bacterium

Together, these bacteria act in harmony to destroy cancer cells in both animal and human models. Remarkably, they succeed even when immune function is impaired. AUN has shown strong compatibility with the human body and few side effects, including suppression of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially dangerous immune reaction.

How AUN Works to Eliminate Tumours

The AUN consortium achieves its tumor-fighting power through a series of coordinated mechanisms:

• Precisely targeting and destroying tumor blood vessels and cancer cells
• Undergoing a structural transformation in A-gyo (filamentation) triggered by tumor-specific metabolites, which enhances its ability to kill cancer cells
• Adjusting the bacterial ratio inside the tumor environment, shifting from an initial mix of roughly 3:97 (A-gyo to UN-gyo) to about 99:1, maximizing its therapeutic strength
• Reducing toxicity and minimizing side effects, including avoidance of CRS

Harmony Between Opposites

UN-gyo only becomes active and beneficial when paired with A-gyo, serving as a regulator that curbs harmful bacterial activity while increasing their cancer-killing precision. This mutual cooperation embodies the Japanese concept of "AUN," symbolizing balance and harmony between opposites. It is this finely tuned relationship that gives the therapy its exceptional results, achieving what traditional immune-dependent treatments could not.

Toward Clinical Trials and a New Era in Cancer Therapy

This  method marks a turning point for cancer patients with weakened immune systems. It offers a long-sought option where conventional immunotherapies fall short, signalling the arrival of truly immune-independent cancer treatment.

• Reference:  Seigo Iwata, Taisei Nishiyama, Matomo Sakari, Yuki Doi, Naoki Takaya, Yusuke Ogitani, Hiroshi Nagano, Keisuke Fukuchi, Eijiro Miyako. Tumour-resident oncolytic bacteria trigger potent anticancer effects through selective intratumoural thrombosis and necrosis. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41551-025-01459-9 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

First microbiome blood test developed

Zinzino has developed the Gut Health Test, completed with a simple finger prick. This innovative approach goes beyond the traditional stool testing, revealing not only which microbes are present but also whether they are active, what they produce, and how the body responds to them. The result is a deeper understanding of the gut-body connection and how diet and lifestyle influence it, and how to support a healthier, more resilient body from the inside out. 

 

“This test provides so much more information than the traditional gut microbiome test, but how the body processes tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in food, and how this affects gut and metabolic health,” says Dr. Martina Torrissen, Zinzino’s Research & Development Specialist. “By measuring these signals in the blood, we can give clear, science-based guidance on how to eat and how to live to support a healthier gut. It’s so important for wellness, since the gut is a powerful control center for the body, affecting metabolism, mood, immune system, and so much more.”

The Science 

 

Zinzino’s Gut Health Test is based on metabolomics, measuring the signals gut bacteria leave behind in the blood to gain insights into how the gut interacts with the body’s own processes in nutrient and energy metabolism. The markers measured (IPA, KYN, TRP, and their ratios) are widely studied in peer-reviewed science as indicators of microbial activity and immune-linked metabolism. All analyses are performed by Vitas AS, an independent chemical analysis laboratory and world leader in dried blood spot (DBS) testing.

Each personalised report provides detailed results that include customized recommendations with science-based guidance on diet and lifestyle to help improve and maintain results over time, as well as a follow-up test after 120 days to track the body’s response to diet and lifestyle adjustments.

Zinzino is leading the world toward a healthier future, empowering individuals to take charge of their personal well-being and long-term health with insights into their bodies at a cellular level and access to nutritional supplements scientifically proven to meet their specific needs.

 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

Vaginal Probiotic Capsules Market Expected to Exceed $1.28 billion by 2033

 

According to Research Intelo, the Global Vaginal Probiotic Capsules market size was valued at $650 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.28 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period of 2024–2033. One of the major factors propelling the growth of the vaginal probiotic capsules market globally is the increasing prevalence of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections, coupled with a growing awareness among women regarding the benefits of maintaining optimal vaginal health through probiotic supplementation. The market is further supported by an upsurge in consumer preference for non-antibiotic, natural solutions to manage and prevent urogenital infections, fueling robust demand for innovative probiotic-based therapeutics.

The global vaginal probiotic capsules market has gained significant momentum in recent years as consumer awareness around women’s intimate health continues to evolve. Vaginal probiotics typically formulated with strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus crispatus are increasingly positioned as scientifically backed solutions for maintaining vaginal microbiome balance. With rising incidences of bacterial vaginosis (BV), recurrent yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), the demand for targeted microbial therapies is expanding steadily. As healthcare providers and consumers alike embrace preventive and holistic wellness strategies, the market for vaginal probiotic capsules stands poised for substantial growth.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Vaginal Infections

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections affect millions of women annually. The recurrence rate of these infections especially BV is particularly high, often prompting women to explore alternatives to antibiotics and antifungals. Probiotics, viewed as safer and more natural solutions, are increasingly recommended for long-term management and prevention.

Growing Adoption of Preventive Healthcare

Modern consumers are shifting focus from treatment to prevention. Vaginal probiotic capsules serve as ongoing support products for women seeking to prevent infections, maintain pH balance, and support overall vaginal well-being.

Expanding Awareness of the Vaginal Microbiome

Scientific advancements and extensive media coverage have highlighted the importance of gut and vaginal microbiomes. Women are becoming more knowledgeable about microbial balance, driving demand for targeted microbiome-supporting supplements.

Rise of E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brands

Digital retail channels have empowered niche health brands to reach global audiences quickly. Subscription-based probiotic solutions, discreet packaging, and telehealth gynecology services are contributing to rising adoption rates.

Increasing Endorsement by Healthcare Professionals

Gynecologists and women’s health specialists are increasingly recommending probiotics as adjunct or preventive therapies. This medical acceptance has strengthened consumer trust in the category.

Challenges in the Market

Limited Regulatory Standardization

Despite growing interest, probiotic supplements lack standardized global regulations. This creates variability in product efficacy, strain potency, and labeling practices, posing challenges for consumer confidence.

Need for More Clinical Evidence

Although studies show promising results, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish consistent evidence for specific strains and formulations. Brands investing in research will likely gain a competitive edge.

Stigma Surrounding Vaginal Health

In many regions, cultural barriers still restrict open discussions about intimate health. This limits consumer awareness and slows adoption in emerging markets.

Opportunities for Growth

Introduction of Multi-Strain Advanced Formulas

Growing research on synergistic probiotic strain combinations offers avenues for higher-efficacy capsules tailored to personalized vaginal health needs.

Integration with Digital Women’s Health Platforms

Telehealth-driven consultations can promote tailored probiotic recommendations, accelerating product uptake.

Expansion in Developing Countries

As awareness and healthcare infrastructure improve, markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present significant untapped potential.

Combination Products

Products combining probiotics with prebiotics, cranberry extract, or hyaluronic acid are emerging as next-generation solutions for vaginal and urinary health.

Future Outlook

The future of the vaginal probiotic capsules market appears promising, driven by rising awareness around vaginal microbiome health, strong consumer preference for natural remedies, and growing clinical validation. As technology and research evolve, the market will likely transition toward personalized microbiome-based therapies, advanced delivery systems, and data-backed probiotic formulations. With increasing global emphasis on women’s health and wellness, vaginal probiotics are positioned to remain one of the fastest-growing segments within the female intimate care industry.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent companies operating in the market are:

·         Procter & Gamble (P&G)

·         Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

·         BioGaia AB

·         Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

·         Jarrow Formulas, Inc.

·         Renew Life (Clorox Company)

·         i-Health, Inc. (Culturelle)

·         NutraScience Labs

·         Lallemand Health Solutions

·         Winclove Probiotics

·         UAS Laboratories

·         DuPont Nutrition & Health

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

 

Rapid Diagnostics 2025: How AI, Biosensors, and Precision Medicine Are Redefining Healthcare

The year 2025 marks a turning point in medical innovation — the dawn of Rapid Diagnostics 2025, where detection is faster, smarter, and more personalized than ever before.

Powered by artificial intelligence, biosensing technologies, and data-driven precision medicine, diagnostic science is no longer confined to laboratories. It’s now embedded in devices, driven by algorithms, and designed to predict rather than react.

AI: The Catalyst for Smarter, Faster Detection

At the forefront of the Rapid Diagnostics 2025 revolution is AI-powered analysis. Companies such as DeepBio Limited, PathAI Diagnostics, and Mainz Biomed are deploying machine learning models that can identify cancer and other diseases with unprecedented accuracy.

AI-driven diagnostics dramatically reduce turnaround times, minimize human error, and unlock deeper insights from complex biological data. For clinicians, it means faster decisions. For patients, it means earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Ingestible Sensors: The Rise of Internal Intelligence

Another transformative development shaping Rapid Diagnostics 2025 is the emergence of ingestible sensors. Innovations by Atmo Biosciences, for example, are enabling real-time monitoring of gut health through capsule-sized devices.

These tiny biosensors — part of what’s being called the Internet of the Body — collect internal data streams to detect diseases, track microbiome changes, and support personalized nutrition or treatment plans.

This shift from episodic testing to continuous monitoring represents one of the biggest paradigm shifts in healthcare delivery.

Blood-Based Brain Diagnostics: A Window Into the Mind

Brain health diagnostics are also accelerating in 2025. Companies like Quanterix and C2N Diagnostics are pioneering blood-based tests for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

This means diagnosis could move from costly imaging and late-stage symptom assessment to a simple blood draw — enabling early detection years before visible decline. Such tests are not only groundbreaking for patients but also for healthcare systems focused on preventive care.

The Five Innovation Pillars of Rapid Diagnostics 2025

The most significant trends driving Rapid Diagnostics 2025 fall into five key innovation categories:

1. AI-Powered Image and Pattern Recognition – Enhancing radiology, pathology, and genomics interpretation.
2. Smart Biosensors and Wearables – Offering continuous, real-time health monitoring.
3. Ingestible and Implantable Devices – Providing internal data collection for early disease detection.
4. Blood-Based and Liquid Biopsies – Enabling non-invasive, faster, and more accurate diagnostics.
5. Predictive Analytics and Data Integration – Turning massive health data into actionable foresight.

These pillars collectively define a healthcare model that is predictive, preventive, and profoundly personalized.

Where Healthcare Meets Business Innovation

The Rapid Diagnostics 2025 revolution isn’t just reshaping patient care — it’s creating massive opportunities for businesses.

Healthcare providers, biotech firms, and technology companies are collaborating to bring diagnostic intelligence into mainstream use. By integrating AI, IoT, and cloud analytics, organizations can build new value chains that prioritize early detection, cost efficiency, and outcome-based care.

In short, the future of healthcare is not just about curing disease — it’s about detecting it before it strikes.

A Glimpse Into Tomorrow

As 2025 unfolds, rapid diagnostics are moving from concept to clinic, redefining how we understand, monitor, and manage human health.

From AI-driven cancer detection to ingestible sensors and blood-based brain tests, every innovation brings us closer to a world where healthcare is instantaneous, intelligent, and individualized.

The next leap isn’t just technological — it’s transformational.

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)