The ASM office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 for the holidays. We wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to connecting online together in the new year!

A new amoeba species called Incendiamoeba cascadensis that lives & reproduces at the highest temperature ever described for a eukaryote, earning the title of “fire amoeba”. asm.org/podcasts/tin... A big welcome to Tiny Living Beings (@couchmicroscopy.bsky.social) as the newest ASM Podcast partner!

Want to pick the brain of a leading virologist? 🧠 Join Frida Sparaciari to discuss her new research on zoonotic risks in traditional food markets and ask questions live. Learn how One Health strategies can reduce risk while preserving livelihoods. asm.social/2Kr

#MicrobiologyMonday: In Korean culture, Sonmat means “hand flavor”—the idea that hands influence kimchi’s taste. 🥬🤲 A study found links between hand microbes and kimchi microbes, plus differences in group vs solo Kimjang prep. Learn more: asm.social/2Kj

Kick off #IMARI26 with an opening ceremony featuring experts + patient advocates on the challenges and opportunities of #AMR – foreshadowing the inspiring expert conversations to come. Learn more: asm.social/2Kc Join us: asm.social/2Kd

Research on HIV's conical capsid ultimately led to lenacapavir, the first capsid inhibitor. The drug's double-decade journey underscores the value of basic science research today to support the generation of innovative drugs for the future. Read the story: asm.org/articles/202...

Save the date! Join "Cases in Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 5e authors" Melissa Miller & Kyle Rodino Jan. 29 at 12 p.m. ET for a free #ASMPress-@wileymicrobio webinar on using case-based teaching to enhance the learner experience. Register at: asm.social/2K4

Phages exert selective pressure that can “steer” bacteria toward increased antibiotic susceptibility. In #JBacteriology, researchers review the state of phage steering research + guidelines emphasizing receptor identification for therapeutic design. asm.social/2JX

Optimize antimicrobial development with PK-PD insights. Join the #IMARI26 pre-meeting workshop “Translating Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics to Optimize Antimicrobial Development” with Shields, Tängdén & Andes. 📅 Add it when you register ➡️ asm.social/2JS

Leading microbial researchers and innovators discussed scientific breakthroughs, emerging applications and workforce needs with policymakers and staff at ASM’s Congressional briefing, “Microbial Innovations: Harnessing Microbes for the Future.” See more: asm.social...

Virtual reality (VR) is a natural evolution from the microscope and the petri dish. New in #JMBE: a VR environment to teach undergraduates how to diagnose a range of human parasitic diseases. Learn more about integrating VR into a microbiology curriculum: asm.social/2JP

A range of initiatives and engagements are underway. We invite the community to stay connected through the ASM WhatsApp Channel for updates on institutional visits, travel awards, calls for editors, special collections, the latest issue of Microcosm, and other key announcements.

How often should pets be vaccinated? What challenges do farmers face in protecting their herds? How do scientists vaccinate wild animals like koalas and raccoons? Find out in our Animal Vaccines FAQs, featured in the the latest issue of Microcosm: asm.social/2JN

How does Salmonella survive in the gut? This #ClinMicroRev article shines light on the environmental and physiological factors that influence survival of resistant Salmonella under infection-related conditions in the gut. Read now: asm.social/2JM

Alison Criss, Ph.D., prof. & Vice Chair of Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology at UVA School of Medicine, has been named Chair of ASM’s Mechanism Discovery unit. A longtime ASM member, she’ll work with Dir. Glen McGugan to shape the unit’s identity. asm.social/2JL

The 2025 Agar Art Contest winners have been selected! This year’s theme, “Microbes Make the World Go Round,” inspired 557 global entries—from food fermentation to antibiotic production. See the masterpieces and finalists! asm.org/press-releas... #agarart

On Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. ET, join experts in antimicrobial resistance for a discussion on CLSI vs EUCAST breakpoints & their impact on guidelines, practice & prescribing. Free for ASM members! Register: asm.social/2JE #ASMClinMicro #AAR #Antibiotics

New in JB: Alber, Sandman et al. explore the catabolism of multiple C sources of Cereibacter sphaeroides, including identifying a mutation in a gene coding for an enzyme characterized biochemically 30 years ago! journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/... @asm.org #JBacteriology

📣 #MRAJournal is proud to announce the 2025 Outstanding Instructor Award! 🏆 Please join us in congratulating this year’s awardees: Steven Biller, Ph.D. & Jeffery Hughey, Ph.D. Honorable Mentions include: Byrne, Uyaguari, Caruso, Wilkes. 🔗 Learn more: asm.social/2Jr

A dietary long-chain fatty acid (oleic acid) enhances Candida albicans colonization of the murine gut partly by modifying the fungal cell surface. The findings highlight the importance of the fungal cell wall in interacting with intestinal mucus. #mBio: asm.social/2Jo

Calling all postdoctoral women scientists in microbiology! We're here to support you; receive up to $2,000 to travel to a meeting, visit another laboratory or take a course to enhance your research skills. Check eligibility and apply now: asm.social/2Jh

Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET, join Drs. Carlos del Rio & D. Jane Hata to discuss diagnosing fever in a returning traveler. Includes cases + insights on diagnostics & lab workflows. CE credits available! Sponsor: @biomerieux.com Register for free: asm.social/2Jj #ASMClinMicro

How do microbiomes drive—and help solve—#AMR? Join #IMARI26 pre-meeting workshop “Microbiomes as Reservoirs, Catalysts, and Solutions for AMR” with Dr. Amy Mathers & Dr. Romney Humphries to learn more. Add it when you register ➡️ asm.social/2Jg

How do microbes shape animal life? From Lyme disease control to applications of the vibrio-squid symbiosis, the Fall 2025 Microcosm uncovers the vital ties between animals, microbes and the people and environments with which they interact.🔗 asm.social/2Jc

Can you stump your professor? In #JMBE: a classroom activity where biology students generate challenging questions on topics of their choosing in an effort to “stump” the professor. The game reduces anxiety and increases student comfort with mistakes. asm.social/2J7

New in JB: Roman-Rodriguez, Boyd et al. show that in the battle between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, Staph can adapt to HQNO-mediated targeting of its respiratory pathway by increasing flux thru its fermentative pathways. journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/... @asm.org #JBacteriology

#MicrobiologyMonday: Save the microbes! 🦠Most conservation frameworks focus on organisms we can see, not the ones we can't. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Microbial Conservation Specialist Group seeks to address this gap: #mSystems: asm.social/2IZ

Good news! We’ve extended the #ASMicrobe 2026 Travel Awards deadline to Dec. 8—so you have more time for paperwork, approvals and submitting with confidence. Apply now → asm.social/2IQ

Cathepsin S (CTSS), a lysosomal protease, is a central driver of influenza-induced epithelial injury, acting downstream of viral replication and cytokine signaling to promote apoptosis, inflammation, and barrier disruption. Learn more in #JournalSpectrum: asm.social/2IH

Join us Dec 10 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. ET for a virtual event with 4 STEM leaders on navigating rapid change and uncertainty. Gain fresh insight, connect with members and explore ASM’s role in supporting the global STEM community. Register now! asm.social/2IA

Presumably, HIV-1 transcription passively follows host gene activity at the HIV-1 integration site. However, research in #mBio suggests this is not the case, and that HIV-1 promoter-driven transcriptional activity dominated over the host promoter activity. asm.social/2It

#mSystems Thinking Series webinar is back! One Health & the African Microbiome | Jan 9 | 9 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. WAT Africa’s microbiomes are rich, diverse & important. Learn how One Health research can advance health, food security & climate resilience. asm.social/2Iv

Last chance! Join JMBE Live on Dec. 5 to explore tools and strategies for coordinating measurement use in science education & training with UW–Madison experts. asm.social/2Is

This #JVirology study describes a newly isolated giant virus, ushikuvirus, a close relative of clandestinovirus with a unique capsid surface structure and host cell interactions. Get the details: asm.social/2Iq

JB Editor's Choice: Anderson, Khursigara et al. review the role of peptidoglycomics in understanding the structure and function of peptidoglycan. journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/... @asm.org #JBacteriology

The next issue of Microcosm drops next week, which means our Spring 2025 issue "How Does Science Serve Humanity?" is now OPEN ACCESS! Check it out & make sure your ASM membership is up to date for full access to the upcoming issue! 🔗 asm.org/magazine/202...

Despite its beneficial roles in the gut, Bacteroides fragilis is also the most commonly isolated anaerobe in clinical infections. This #IAIJournal study suggests AMR is widespread among intestinal and extra-intestinal B. fragilis clinical isolates: asm.social/2Ik

Last chance! Early abstracts & travel awards for #ASMicrobe close TOMORROW (Dec 2, 2 p.m. ET). Early submissions receive early review—helpful for planning travel & approvals. Submit today! ➜ asm.social/2Ij

Join us on Dec. 8 from 12-1 p.m. ET for a conversation with Nobel Laureate Dr. Katalin Karikó, where she’ll share insights from her memoir "Breaking Through: My Life in Science"—a story of resilience, discovery and revolutionizing medicine. Register now: asm.social/2Ie

Viral remnants make up ~8% of the human genome. Using the Integrated Microbial Genomes and Virome database, researchers identified 4,556 viruses carrying gene segments associated with human health across 8 habitat types spanning 76 countries. asm.social/2Ic #AACJournal

Microbiology Monday: Who becomes dominant in a microbial community? Competitive traits nominate species, but rare microbes “vote” the winner through complex interactions. Learn more in #mBio: asm.social/2Ib

📚 It's time for the #ASMPress Holiday Sale! Save 24% on select titles through Dec. 8 when you use code ASM24 on print & e-books—from "Women in Microbiology" to "Manual of Molecular Microbiology." 🛍️ 🔗Browse sale titles: asm.social/2I9

🎉 #JVirology is pleased to announce the selectees for our inaugural New Voices in Virology collection! Chosen from 275+ applicants, these early-career scientists stood out for their creative proposals & strong career trajectories. ➡️ Meet the New Voices: asm.social/2HY

Chikungunya virus activity surged globally in 2025. Understanding transmission dynamics and factors driving outbreaks is crucial for prevention and control. Read the article: asm.org/articles/202...

JB Editor's Choice: Laurie Comstock discusses the history of model gut Bacteroidales (B. frag and B. theta) - bugs of increasing importance in our study of the gut microbiota and system-wide impacts of gut microbes. journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/... @asm.org #JBacteriology

Share your research to the Applied & Environmental Microbiology Meeting at ASM Microbe 2026. Early Abstract Deadline: Dec. 2, 2 p.m. ET. asm.social/2HP

Anthony Tran's career is underscored by a commitment to improving public health. From the lab bench to the leadership of major public health initiatives, his focus is on making a broad impact. asm.social/2HI #PublicHealthThankYou

Join us on Dec. 8 from 12-1 p.m. ET for a conversation with Nobel Laureate Dr. Katalin Karikó, where she’ll share insights from her memoir "Breaking Through: My Life in Science"—a story of resilience, discovery and revolutionizing medicine. Register now: asm.social/2HH

#MicrobiologyMonday: The bacterial flagellum is built through a hierarchical assembly process and powered by a dynamic motor capable of astonishing speeds. What's new in our understanding of these complex nanomachines? Find out in #MMBRJournal: asm.social/2HB

Early abstracts for the ASM Health Meeting close Dec. 2. Diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, clinical ID, public health & more. 👉 asm.social/2HD