Microbes in Norwich - News Archive

Micron News Archive

2011 News

	Future of antibiotics discussed on BBC One's Bang Goes the Theory April 2011 Professors Tony Maxwell and Sir David Hopwood discuss the development and future of antibiotics on BBC One's Bang Goes the Theory. The full television programme, which features a discussion with Professor Tony Maxwell, can be seen here until 4th May 2011 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/bang, series 4, episode 4.
	Four PhD students present their work at The House of Commons March 2011 Four PhD students (Alaa Aljabali (JIC), Anthony Ash (IFR), Faye Jeffers (IFR) and Emma Meader (IFR)) from the Norwich Research Park recently presented their work to an audience of MPs and leading scientists at The House of Commons. They were selected for the SET for Britain poster exhibition, organised by The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. The aim of SET for Britain is to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers and technologists who are the "engine-room" of continued progress in and development of UK research and R&D, and ultimately of UK plc. Emma Meader has been looking at a new way of preventing Clostridium difficille infection, the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea. Click here to read the IFR news article. Click here to read the JIC news article.
	More molecules for Tuberculosis March 2011 Scientists are collaborating on a new international research project to identify antibiotics that can kill tuberculosis and fight resistant strains. "We want to accelerate the discovery of new compounds that can be turned into effective drugs," said Professor Tony Maxwell from the John Innes Centre, a key player in "More Medicines for Tuberculosis", a new European research project.
	Genome sequencing used to assess the threat to biosecurity from a novel form of Clostridium botulinum March 2011 Professor Mike Peck and his research group at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) on the Norwich Research Park have sequenced the genome of a novel strain of Clostridium botulinum, one of the most dangerous pathogens known to man. The strain produces an unusual botulinum neurotoxin, known as type A5 neurotoxin, which was isolated by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), following a case of wound botulism. "Our analysis of the genome sequence indicates that while the type of neurotoxin formed is unusual, the organism itself appears closely related to other strains of Clostridium botulinum, and is likely to pose a similar threat to food safety and biosecurity" said Professor Peck.
	What is good for you is bad for infectious bacteria March 2011 Plants are able to protect themselves from most bacteria, but some bacteria are able to breach their defences. In research to be published in Science (Science 4 March 2011: Vol. 331 pp. 1185-1188 ), scientists have identified the genes used by some strains of the bacterium Pseudomonas to overwhelm defensive natural products produced by plants of the mustard family, or crucifers. "Microbes only become pathogens when they find a way to infect a host and overwhelm the host defences," said lead author Dr Jun Fan from the John Innes Centre on the Norwich Research Park. "Our findings answer some important questions about host-pathogen biology."
	Engineered bacterium is helping in the search for new antibiotics March 2011 To help in the search for new antibiotics JIC scientists, Juan Pablo Gomez-Escribano and Professor Mervyn Bibb, have adapted a strain of Streptomyces coelicolor to express clusters of genes found from genome sequencing projects whose functions are unknown. The strains are now being used by a number of different research groups. "We believe that these strains can make a major contribution to the discovery of novel natural products and may contribute significantly to addressing the urgent need for new antibiotics," said Prof Bibb.
	Key to aphid invasion success found February 2011 Aphids are some of the most destructive insect pests of crop plants, not only through the damage they cause from feeding but also through transmitting a variety of economically important diseases. Part of what makes them so effective is the way they can control some of the activities of plants, suppressing their defences and so helping the aphids feed. New research by Dr Jorunn Bos, working with Dr Saskia Hogenhout from the John Innes Centre, has shown that just as plant pathogens produce effector proteins that manipulate the plant's defences, aphids can also produce effector proteins in their saliva that affect plant defense responses and/or aphid reproductive performance.
	John Innes Centre Friday Seminars open to the scientific community February 2011 18 February 2011: 11:30 Xanthomonas TAL effectors in fundamental and applied research Professor Thomas Lahaye, Institute of Genetics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich In the JIC Merton Auditorium Hosted/Organised by Jonathan Jones 25 February 2011: 11:30 The bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes: a model or a reference? Professor Pascale Cossart, Pasteur Institute In the JIC Merton Auditorium Hosted/Organised by Allan Downie
	New series of inaugural lectures January 2011 From digital youth culture to extreme flooding, a new series of free public lectures from newly appointed professors will be launching on January 18th at the University of East Anglia. Prof. Julea Butt of Biophysical Chemistry will be giving her talk on February 22nd.

2010 News

	Norwich gene hunters tackle crop diseases December 2010 Norwich scientists are on the trail of some of the most economically damaging organisms that infect crops worldwide. Published in the same edition of the journal Science are a series of studies of plant pathogen genomes. One study, led by Professor Sophien Kamoun, examined how the genome of the pathogen that causes potato late blight evolves as it jumps from one host plant to another. "It is important to understand how the pathogen adapts to its plant hosts. In this latest study we have learnt more about how the pathogen evolves to attack new hosts." said Professor Kamoun. Two further studies focus on the parasites that cause downy mildew (an oomycete disease of many crops including maize, grapes and lettuce) and powdery mildew (a fungal disease of barley). The genomes have been sequenced in separate research collaborations, one involving John Innes Centre scientists and the other The Sainsbury Laboratory. Analysis revealed that the parasites have become specialised to live solely on their plant host and have dispensed with the genes that would be needed to survive elsewhere. Instead they have focussed on genes that help them stealthily take control of host cells. The genome sequences reveal large numbers of effector proteins, the molecules that invade plant cells to suppress plant immunity. John Innes Centre article The Sainsbury Laboratory article
	John Innes Centre sets up training links with Southern Africa December 2010 The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) has proved to be a successful model for introducing young researchers at JIC to the world of business and entrepreneurship. Recently, a team of scientists from JIC has helped to establish something similar in Southern Africa. The JIC scientists were Dr Michael McArthur, co-founder of Procarta Biosystems Ltd, a successful spin-out company from JIC science, Dr Lesley Boyd, JIC's International Research Manager for International Development, Eva Thuenemann, a PhD student who recently entered Biotechnology YES and Prof Nick Brewin.
	Sainsbury Laboratory Research scoops international award December 2010 Professor Sophien Kamoun of The Sainsbury Laboratory has been jointly awarded a prestigious Daiwa Adrian Prize by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation for his work on the interactions between plants and disease-causing pathogens. Professor Kamoun and Dr Terauchi will receive their prize at an awards ceremony to be held at the Royal Society on the 2nd December 2010.
	'Missing' bacteria in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis patients identified November 2010 Scientists have identified some bacteria that are low in abundance in the gut of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients compared to healthy adults. This finding could be relevant to preventing or managing these conditions to maintain health. "A better understanding of which bacteria or bacterial populations are relevant to ulcerative colitis and IBS is important if microbial interventions are to be used in preventing or managing these conditions," said Dr Arjan Narbad from the Institute of Food Research. The work was published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology and was funded through IFR's strategic programme grant from the BBSRC and by the Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia in the form of a PhD studentship to Samah Noor.
	Procarta secures major new investment to continue development of novel antibiotics November 2010 Procarta, a spin-out company from John Innes Centre science, has secured up to £1.25million funding to continue the development of its novel DNA-based antibiotic technology to help combat drug-resistant infections. Dr Michael McArthur, Procarta's scientific co-founder and CSO with Prof. Mervyn Bibb, commented: "Coming on the back of positive scientific results, this raise validates the Procarta's platform's promise to cope with the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance. We are thrilled to see this capital infusion which will allow us to drive all of our programmes forward and build on the early-stage interest expressed by major pharmaceutical companies."
	JIC/SL Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme October 2010 Applications are now open for the 2011 JIC/SL Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme in which successful applicants can gain research experience in plant and microbial sciences. Open to students from any scientific discipline. Read about the 2010 Undergraduate Research Training Programme here.
	PhD Studentship Opportunities October 2010 The list of available PhD Studentships/Research Degrees at the Institute of Food Research has now been published. A number of PhD Studentships/Research degrees at the John Innes Centre and Sainsbury Laboratory are now available. They are also recruiting for the prestigious fully-funded Rotation PhD Programme in Plant Sciences and Microbiology. Available PhD Studentship/Research degree opportunities at the University of East Anglia, Biological Sciences.
	Innovation and Innovators - Dr Michael McArthur October 2010 Dr Michael McArthur, winner of the BBSRC's Most Promising Innovator of the Year Award, describes how his work at the John Innes Centre is now being successfully commercialised. Dr McArthur co-founded Procarta Biosystems with Prof. Mervyn Bibb to commercialize a new class of antibiotic to combat drug-resistant infections: transcription factor decoys (TFDs). Dr Michael McArthur, Most Promising Innovator of the Year, collected £5,000 at the gala award ceremony at Canary Wharf, London.
	IFR develops new method for detecting Clostridium botulinum spores October 2010 IFR has collaborated in the development of a new method for detecting spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is the major health hazard associated with refrigerated convenience foods, and these developments give the food industry and regulators more quantitative information on which to base the procedures that ensure food safety. Professor Mike Peck, Acting Programme Leader (Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens) at IFR, says the economic and social costs associated with foodborne botulism are immense. "The fatality rate is in the region of 10% of cases, while full recovery may take months or even years. It is estimated that the economic cost per case associated with commercial food is $30M in the US." He adds that stringent precautions taken by industry ensure that foodborne botulism is rare in the UK.
	The third John Innes-Rudjer Bošković Summer School in Applied Molecular Microbiology September 2010 As part of the John Innes Centre’s goal to equip the scientific leaders of the future, the third John Innes-Rudjer Bošković Summer School in Applied Molecular Microbiology was recently held, giving graduate students and post-docs from 18 countries the latest developments in the study of microbial metabolites. Professor Sir David Hopwood, FRS, John Innes Emeritus Fellow, is co-director of the summer schools with Julian Davies of the University of British Columbia, and Mervyn Bibb and Govind Chandra of JIC are lecturers on the courses.
	MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future September 2010 Understanding and harnessing the metabolic diversity of living organisms, for example in the production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals, will make a huge contribution to developing a sustainable global environment in the 21st Century. This is the ethos that permeates the innovative MSc Biotechnology programme for UEA. The one year course is divided into two parts.
	MSci degree in Microbiology September 2010 Microbiologists are at the forefront of biotechnology research across a vast and diverse range of topics. This newly launched programme provides for the advanced study in concepts underpinning modern molecular approaches to microbiology and training in experimental techniques.
	Ants found to use multiple antibiotics as weed killers August 2010 Scientists at the University of East Anglia, have shown that fungus-farming ants are using multiple antibiotics as weed killers to maintain their fungus gardens. Research led by Dr Matt Hutchings and published today in the journal BMC Biology shows that ants use the antibiotics to inhibit the growth of unwanted fungi and bacteria in their fungus cultures which they use to feed their larvae and queen. Dr Hutchings said: "We found a new antifungal compound that is related to a clinically important antifungal named nystatin so we’re excited about the potential of these ants and other insects to provide us with new antibiotics for medical use." View the live feed of the ant cam here.
	John Innes Foundation Student Prizes 2010 August 2010 The John Innes Foundation has announced the winners of the 2010 John Innes Foundation Student Prizes for Excellence in Scientific Research and Excellence in Science Communication. The prizes for Excellence in Scientific Research are awarded to Alex Graf and Sebastian Marquardt and the prizes for Excellence in Science Communication have been awarded to Colette Matthewman and Giulia Morieri. Giulia Morieri (pictured), a member of Professor Allan Downie's lab, was awarded for her considerable work in illustrating the science behind food security to both the scientific community and the lay public.
	IFR researchers have demonstrated a potential new way of preventing spoilage in cheese August 2010 Late-blowing in cheese production is a significant problem, causing spoilage and losses that contribute to wastage and decrease efficiency. Funded by the BBSRC, researchers at IFR have identified and characterised a naturally occurring microorganism that specifically attacks C. tyrobutyricum, the organism behind late-blowing. In research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Melinda Mayer, Arjan Narbad and colleagues demonstrate the potential use of this bacteriophage for controlling C. tyrobutyricum. The bacteriophage produces a protein, called an endolysin, which recognises C. tyrobutyricum and breaks open its cells. The group sequenced the genome of the bacteriophage and identified the gene encoding the endolysin. Cloning this gene into E. coli allowed them to produce the endolysin protein to assess its ability to control C. tyrobutyricum levels.
	Key milestone towards the development of a new clinically useful antibiotic July 2010 Scientists from the John Innes Centre have identified the genes necessary for making a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic in the fight against multi-resistant pathogens. "Lantibiotics are antibiotic molecules produced by soil bacteria, and we are studying probably the most potent one known, microbisporicin, which is active against many different pathogens," said Professor Mervyn Bibb from the John Innes Centre, co-author on the paper to be published in PNAS. The producing bacterium, Microbispora corallina, is difficult to work with. It grows very slowly and no tools existed for its genetic manipulation. PhD student Lucy Foulston developed the tools herself. She then took advantage of new developments in genome sequencing to identify and then isolate the M. corallina gene cluster responsible for microbisporicin production.
	Lifeline for antibiotic of last resort July 2010 An international team of scientists has uncovered how bacteria sense vancomycin, a mechanism that triggers resistance to this powerful antibiotic. "Vancomycin resistance is thankfully still rare in MRSA, but if it became more widespread we could risk edging backwards to the pre-antibiotic era," says Professor Mark Buttner from the John Innes Centre, an institute of BBSRC. "We need to have a back-up ready in case resistance becomes more common." 'A vancomycin photoprobe identifies the histidine kinase VanSsc as a vancomycin receptor' was published online in Nature Chemical Biology, 11 April 2010, doi 10.1038/NCHEMBIO.350
	Spitting out detergents and chewing up pollutants July 2010 A team of scientists from UEA and Dundee have discovered a novel way in which Streptomyces bacteria export and display proteins on their cell surface. Led by Dr Matt Hutchings (UEA) in collaboration with Professor Tracy Palmer (Dundee) the team have exploited this natural pathway to develop strains of Streptomyces and Bacillus bacteria that can secrete or cell surface display proteins that could be useful for industry or medicine. This technology has been patented by UEA and licensed exclusively to PBL. The research is described in a paper published in the journal Molecular Microbiology (doi 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07261.x). The team anticipate that this technology will be widely applicable for industrial and biomedical use, for example to produce enzymes for biological washing powders or antibodies for therapeutic use. The work was funded by research grants from the BBSRC and technology development grants from the BBSRC and UEA.
	GM Trial to reduce agrochemicals June 2010 A field trial of GM potatoes is being planted this week to test whether genes from wild relatives can successfully protect commercial potato varieties from late blight – the disease that caused the Irish potato famine – without the need to spray fungicides. At the moment British farmers spray on average 15 times a year to protect against potato late blight. "We have isolated genes from two different wild potato species that confer blight resistance," said Professor Jonathan Jones from the Sainsbury Laboratory on Norwich Research Park. "Similar genes are found in all plants, and we are now testing whether these ones work in a field environment to protect a commercial potato variety, Desiree, against this destructive potato disease."
	What is the JI's most significant contribution? May 2010 The John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory were recently ranked number one of the world's "top institutions in plant and animal sciences." But now the John Innes Centre wants you to vote on what you think is the most important contribution it has made to plant and microbial science over the last 100 years. One of the five research areas, which Prof. Mervyn Bibb is supporting and can be voted for, is Antibiotic Research. The most significant contribution being JIC pioneered the genome sequencing of Streptomyces. The winner will be announced in July as JIC brings its centenary celebrations to a close. So vote now!
	Forward Look Conference - 14th July 2010 May 2010 The John Innes Centenary year will close with a forward look conference in July 2010, which will take place at The Royal Institution, Faraday Theatre, London; where researchers will look 100 years on and discuss what they think the grand challenges of the future will be. Appearing will be: Prof. Merv Bibb, Prof. Sir David Hopwood, FRS and Prof. Tony Maxwell speaking regarding Mining Microbes. Prof. Phil Poole and Prof. Ray Dixon, FRS discussing Sustainable Nutrition. Prof. Jonathan Jones, FRS, Dr Saskia Hogenhout and Dr Cyril Zipfel talking about Combating Pests and Disease Click here for the full programme
	Biofilm production aids campylobacter survival March 2010 Scientists at the Institute of Food Research have found a way that the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter can survive in the environment. Campylobacter is the main cause of food poisoning in Europe and America. Campylobacter cannot survive in the oxygen levels in the air, which forces the bacterium to adapt for survival in the food chain. One such a survival strategy is to form a biofilm, whereby the bacteria stick to a surface and encase themselves in a sticky 'slime' which protects them. "While biofilms are well established in the lifestyle and success of other pathogenic bacteria, their role in the lifestyle of Campylobacter was still unclear. We now have developed a model where the biofilm plays a central role in the transmission of Campylobacter via the food chain, and this may lead to new antimicrobial approaches, like disrupting the biofilm matrix or prevention of biofilm formation." commented Dr. Arnoud van Vliet.
	Scientists make TB bug suicidal March 2010 Dr Steph Bornemann and scientists from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University (Einstein), in New York, have identified a new class of drug target that tricks tuberculosis bacteria into suicidal self-poisoning. Researchers identified the role that an enzyme called GlgE plays in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of tuberculosis and the leading cause of death worldwide from bacterial pathogens. It claims about two million lives every year. "With the advent of antibiotics, TB became treatable and at one point eradication was believed possible," says Dr Steph Bornemann from the John Innes Centre. "But TB has re-emerged as a major global health threat due to poverty, a deadly synergy with HIV and the emergence of drug resistant strains that are virtually untreatable with current therapies." Together the scientists have identified a four-step metabolic pathway involving GlgE that represents a new target for anti-tuberculosis drugs.
	New defences deployed against plant diseases March 2010 An international team led by scientists at the Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich have transferred broad spectrum resistance against some important plant diseases across different plant families. This breakthrough provides a new way to produce crops with sustainable resistance to economically important diseases. Plants have a defence system, based on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs recognise molecules that are essential for pathogen survival. These molecules are less likely to mutate without harming the pathogen’s survival, making resistance to them more durable in the field. However, very few of these PRRs have been identified to date. Dr Cyril Zipfel and his group at the Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich, UK, took a Brassica-specific PRR that recognises bacteria, and transformed it into the Solanaceae plants Nicotania benthaminia and tomato. These plants then showed drastically enhanced resistance against many different bacteria indicating that this approach provides a new biotechnological solution to engineering disease resistance in plants.
	JIC scientist wins prestigious national award March 2010 Dr Michael McArthur has been named the winner of 'Most Promising Innovator of the Year' award for his work using novel antibacterials to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections. Dr McArthur has developed novel technologies to combat drug resistant bacterial infections, such as MRSA and a spin-out company from the John Innes Centre, Procarta Biosystems, is now taking this technology through to the marketplace. "Over the last decade all the major pharmaceutical companies have been bringing fewer antibiotics to the market, some have even departed the field altogether, a trend that is likely to be exacerbated by resistance issues. Procarta's novel solution not only tackles antibiotic resistance but also is a solution which should be far less susceptible to resistance" said Michael.
	Clostridium difficile bacteriophage endolysin technology January 2010 Sarum Biosciences Limited ("Sarum") and PBL, the UK technology management company, announced on 22nd February the signing of an exclusive worldwide licence agreement which enables Sarum to develop and exploit therapeutic and diagnostic applications of a bacteriophage endolysin protein for the treatment and detection of Clostridium difficile, a serious healthcare concern both within the UK and the rest of the world. "Using bacterial endolysins has been of interest to IFR for many years in the food context," said Dr Arjan Narbad of the IFR, an institute of the BBSRC, which funded the study. "Now we have an endolysin that is active specifically against C. difficile we are looking forward to developing it into a potent weapon against this problem."

2009 News

	Rock-breathing bacteria could generate electricity and clean up oil spills December 2009 A discovery by scientists at the University of East Anglia could contribute to the development of systems that use domestic or agricultural waste to generate clean electricity. The findings could be applied to help in the development of new microbe-based technologies such as fuel cells, or 'bio-batteries', powered by animal or human waste, and agents to clean up areas polluted by oil or uranium. "This is an exciting advance in our understanding of bacterial processes in the Earth’s sub-surfaces," said Prof David Richardson, of UEA's School of Biological Sciences, who is leading the project.
	Two heads better than one in new antibiotic method December 2009 An antibiotic that binds to a well-established target in a novel and unexpected way could be the inspiration for designing new, more potent antibacterial drugs. "A completely new way to beat bacteria is an exciting find at a time when resistance to existing antibiotics is growing," said Professor Tony Maxwell from the John Innes Centre, lead author on the research published in Science. 'A crystal structure of the bifunctional antibiotic, simocyclinone D8, bound to DNA gyrase' by M Edwards (JIC), R Flatman (JIC), L Mitchenall (JIC), C Stevenson (JIC), T Le (JIC), T Clarke (University of East Anglia), A McKay (University College London), H-P Fiedler (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen), M Buttner (JIC), D Lawson (JIC) and A Maxwell (JIC) Science 4 December 2009: Vol. 326. no. 5958, pp. 1415 - 1418 DOI: 10.1126/science.1179123
	A sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics November 2009 Scientists at the IFR and UEA have crystallised a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract. The protein could be used by probiotic producers to identify strains that are likely to be of real benefit to people. "Probiotics need to interact with cells lining the gut to have a beneficial effect, and if they attach to surfaces in the gut they are more likely to stick around long enough to exert their activity," says Dr Nathalie Juge from the Institute of Food Research. Mucus adhesion has been well studied for pathogenic bacteria, but precisely what enables commensal (our gut bacteria) bacteria to stick is not known. In a paper published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, IFR and UEA scientists have obtained the first crystal structure of a mucus-binding protein.
	JIF Prize for Excellence in Science Communication October 2009 At the Annual Science Meeting, Frank Oldfield (Chairman of the John Innes Foundation Trustees) presented the awards for the newly introduced JIF student prizes for Excellence in Science Communication to Jan Claesen, a graduate student in Prof. Mervyn Bibb's group, and Tilly Crumpton-Taylor a student in Alison Smith’s group in Metabolic Biology.
	Microbes in Norwich Meeting - 27th November 2009 October 2009 The Microbes in Norwich Meeting is to take place on Friday 27th November, 9.45am - 5pm, at the John Innes Conference Centre. This full day event, presents a range of microbial research from across NRP with speakers from IFR, JIC, UEA and TSL. There will also be a poster session run during the coffee and lunch breaks. Registration for this event is required. Speakers confirmed are: Saccha Luccini (IFR) Transcriptional control of environmentally-responsive genes in Salmonella Ane Sesma (JIC) Unravelling post-transcriptional networks essential for fungal plant infection Andy Johnston (UEA) The remarkable diversity of the genes, the pathways and the microbes that make the smell of the seas Tony Maxwell (JIC) Simocyclinone: a "double-headed" antibiotic with a novel mode of action Nick LeBrun (UEA) Making and breaking disulfide bonds in the cell envelope of Gram-positive bacteria Mike Peck (IFR) Clostridium botulinum: biology of a dangerous pathogen Martin Howard (JIC) How are low copy number plasmids segregated inbacteria? Matt Hutchings (UEA) Ant pharming: a search for novel antifungals in an unusual niche Jonathan Jones (SL) Using obligate pathogen effectors to investigate host resistance mechanisms Register for this event.
	JIC Runners-up in Young Microbiologist of the Year Competition September 2009 Lucy Foulston and Jan Claesen, graduate students in Prof. Mervyn Bibb's group in Molecular Microbiology, were both recent contestants in the SGM's Young Microbiologist of the Year Competition in Edinburgh. They were chosen to present their research along with just four other finalists chosen from graduate students across the UK. Their talks on antibiotic biosynthesis were both very well received, with Lucy claiming third place in the competition.
	Honorary Position for Molecular Microbiology Department Head September 2009 Mervyn Bibb, Head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at JIC, was recently appointed Honorary Professor at the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was presented with his award by Professor Li Huang, Director General of the Institute of Microbiology, in a recent visit to Beijing.
	Recognition for JIC Staff Member August 2009 Prof. Mark Buttner, a Project Leader in the Department of Molecular Microbiology, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology in recognition of his record of scientific achievement. Article from Advances: Summer 2009 (PDF file)
	Plant-derived natural products: synthesis, function and application August 2009 A new textbook has been released, co-edited by Professor Anne Osbourn of the John Innes Centre, which serves as a guide to the latest advances in the field of plant-derived natural products. Published by Springer, Plant-derived natural products: synthesis, function and application includes contributions from scientists working at the JIC and the Institute of Food Research. "This book brings together the many different facets of plant-derived natural products, providing comprehensive coverage of all key aspects of the field, from distribution and analysis through synthesis, function and application to traditional medicines, nutraceuticals and novel non-food crops," said Prof Osbourn.
	Institutes provide valuable experience for students July 2009 Schoolchildren from across Norfolk have been gaining valuable work experience at the Norwich BioScience Institutes, giving them an idea of what it is like to work in at a leading science campus. The 14 and 15 year-olds have been working in a variety of different laboratory environments, looking at things such as analysing genome sequences, extracting DNA from bacteria, and crystallising proteins. Emma Sherwood, a post-graduate student working in Prof. Mervyn Bibb's group in the Molecular Microbiology Department at the John Innes Centre, said "I wanted to host a student because I know that I would have liked the opportunity to do work experience in a science lab when I was at school". Sarah Tolland, assistant to Prof. Tony Maxwell, together with Dave Hart at the IFR, coordinated the work experience scheme. "We have been delighted with the positive response to the scheme. We are keen to encourage students to study science, but we understand that it can be difficult to see how what you learn in science lessons can be translated into a career." Sarah said.
	New national genome centre opens in Norwich July 2009 The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC - http://www.tgac.bbsrc.ac.uk/), a new national genome centre, was officially opened on the Norwich Research Park on 3 July. Dr Jane Rogers, Director of TGAC, said: "The Genome Analysis Centre will give the UK a lead in the sequencing of the genomes of plants, animals and microbes. The genomic analysis of microbes will be a major focus, not only because they infect both animals and plants, but because some are already a source of drugs for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections and therefore they have the potential to provide new, superbug beating antibiotics."
	Jungle yeast May 2009 A new species of yeast has been discovered deep in the Amazon jungle. IFR scientists Dr Steve James and Dr Ian Roberts, Curator of NCYC, and colleagues from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador describe the novel characteristics of Candida carvajalis sp. nov.
	Salmonella's sweet tooth predicts its downfall May 2009 For the first time UK scientists, Dr Arthur Thompson from the Institute of Food Research and Dr. Gary Rowley from the University of East Anglia, have shown what the food poisoning bug Salmonella feeds on to survive as it causes infection: glucose. Their discovery of Salmonella’s weakness for sugar could provide a new way to vaccinate against it. The discovery could also lead to vaccine strains to protect against other disease-causing bacteria, including superbugs.
	Climate-indicator potential of algae species revealed April 2009 Tiny algae organisms living in the world's oceans could be used as an important indicator of climate change, according to new findings by an international team of scientists. The team, which included Dr Thomas Mock from the University of East Anglia, carried out the first DNA sequencing of genomes from the previously overlooked phytoplankton group Micromonas. They found that it thrives in oceans ranging from tropical to polar and in conditions that are predicted outcomes of climate change. Original publication
	Rhythmic genomics – the yeast metronome and the walk of life April 2009 New genome sequence information from the humble baker’s yeast has revealed surprising variation in a set of genes that can be thought of as nature’s oldest clock. In a paper published in Genome Research scientists show how ribosomal RNA genes that are essential to all Earth's organisms provide insight into how genomes maintain their integrity on their evolutionary journey. Because even the slightest changes in sequence of these genes could be fatal. Rob Davey, computational biologist at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), said "we can use new computer techniques to model the changes mathematically and really get to grips with what orchestrates the variation in these important cell housekeepers." Ian Roberts, Curator of NCYC, said "Yeasts are everywhere around us in nature and industry. This extra level of detail allows us to resolve important differences between yeasts and gain maximum benefits from their use in food, drink and healthcare."
	Prof. Jay Hinton moves to Trinity College Dublin March 2009 Prof. Jay Hinton, Head of Microbiology at IFR has moved to take up a personal research chair at the Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. Professor Hinton joined IFR ten years ago from the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford. At IFR his group used genomic approaches to discover how food poisoning bacteria cause disease. His focus was on bacterial food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, Shigella flexneri and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). In Dublin he will continue this work, with a particular focus on Salmonella.
	National Science and Engineering Week at the Norwich BioScience Institutes March 2009 March 6th sees the start of The British Science Association’s National Science and Engineering Week, and as part of this the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research are hosting an interactive exhibition at The Forum in Norwich celebrating the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his most famous work, On the Origin of Species. They will also be showcasing the work of their young scientists, giving the chance to hear about the latest work on topics such as antibiotics and how our gut protects us from invasion. At the Showcase of Young Science on March 11th, students and their supervisors will describe their work to groups from Norwich schools as well as to a public audience. From the Molecular Microbiology department at the John Innes Centre, Jan Claesen, with Prof. Mervyn Bibb, is investigating cypemycin, a new, unusually modified antibiotic. By understanding how cypemycin is made they may be able to produce better derivatives, which will be crucial to countering the threat of antibiotic resistance.
	Science, Art and Writing February 2009 Science, Art and Writing (SAW) is a UK-based science education initiative that breaks down traditional barriers between science and the arts. SAW uses themes and images from science as a starting point for scientific experimentation, art and creative writing and in doing so stimulates creativity and scientific curiosity. The stunning science images and the artworks inspired by them have been collected together in ‘SAW Showcase’, published by the SAW Trust on February 28th. In 2008 Professor Anne Osbourn led a series of projects aimed at taking research science from the Norwich Research Park-based John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research into Norfolk schools using SAW as a vehicle. The John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research are Institutes of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, who, along with the science outreach organisation Society in Science, provided funding for this set of SAW projects.
	On the Origin of Subspecies February 2009 Scientists have sequenced over seventy strains of yeast, the greatest number of genomes for any species. The analysis, to be published in Nature, enables the scientists to study genetics in much finer detail than was ever possible for Darwin. They are able to see the differences within a species and use this knowledge in understanding yeast biodiversity and exploiting it for human benefit. "We can sift through billions of DNA bases to clearly spot a wild yeast or the mosaic genome of a recent hybrid," says Dr Ian Roberts, leader of the NCYC research team and the collection’s curator. The basic machinery of yeast is surprisingly similar to that of humans, and the project is already helping experts to develop the tools necessary for studying human genetic variation. Yeast can also be used to develop and test new drugs, such as for cancer. "This is a valuable test bed for the 1000 genomes project, in which the genomes of 1000 people are being sequenced," said Professor Ed Louis from the University of Nottingham.
	ONE SYSTEM - two different relationships January 2009 A JIC combination of biological and mathematical approaches has provided a novel explanation for the mechanisms of multi- functionality in signalling pathways. Plants have symbiotic relationships with micro-organisms, which benefit both partners. Leguminous plants, such as peas and beans, form nodules on their roots which house rhizobia, bacteria which are able to "fix" nitrogen. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are very different to rhizobia, and produce very different reactions in the plants. Although both symbiotic relationships activate and use several of the same plant genes, it is only now that a JIC team, led by Giles Oldroyd and Allan Downie, have discovered how the one system can manage two different relationships. Article from Advances: Winter 2008/9 \| Original publication
	Function and redundancy of chaplin cell surface proteins January 2009 Working in collaboration with the Department of Biology and Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Canada, JIC scientists in Mark Buttner's Group have been examining the chaplins, a group of proteins which help streptomycetes attach to the surface of host plants. These 'hydrophobins' are highly surface-active and are capable of dramatically reducing surface tension at the colony air-water interface. Article from Advances: Winter 2008/9 \| Original publication

2008 News

	Scholarship award for IFR student December 2008 PhD student Richard Bailey from the Institute of Food Research in Norwich has received an award from the British Poultry Council for his work on understanding dysbacteriosis, a disease of growing importance in the poultry industry. Dysbacteriosis is a poorly understood condition that causes enteritis in broiler chickens. It is thought to be due to an overgrowth of the gut microflora. Richard’s work within a group led by Dr Arjan Narbad has focussed on identifying which micro-organinsms may be responsible for the condition.
	Dr Matt Hutchings and Co-Applicants gain MRC Milstein Award December 2008 Dr Matt Hutchings, together with co-applicants Doug Yu (BIO) and Rebecca Goss (CAP), has been successful in gaining an MRC Milstein award to study novel anti-fungal compounds. The Milstein fund was set up in 2006 to support pioneering research from UK based scientists who can demonstrate highly innovative ideas and approaches to contemporary challenges in medical research. The initiative is named after César Milstein who was honoured with a Nobel Prize in 1984 for his pioneering work on the production of monoclonal antibodies. Dr. Hutchings’ project focuses on novel anti-fungal compounds produced by actinomycete bacteria living as symbionts on Amazonian leaf-cutter ants. The ants farm fungi which they grow on harvested leaves as the sole food source for the ant colony. They mix the fungi and the bacteria and inoculate them onto the leaves where the bacteria produce antibiotics to inhibit the growth of other fungi. This allows the ants to grow pure cultures of the fungus they like to eat. These ants are therefore potential novel sources of anti-fungals which could be used in human medicine but to date none of these compounds has been isolated or identified.
	Mucosal Immunology and Intestinal Microflora Symposium 2009 December 2008 On 9th June 2009, the Norwich Research Park will host a one day symposium that aims to give postgraduate students working in aspects of gut immunuity, host-pathogen interactions within the gut and the use of probiotics the chance to present their work and exchange ideas to an audience of students, postdocs and prinicipal investigators. Keynote speakers will be Professor Dr Michiel Kleerebezem, Professor Justin Sonnenburg and Professor Thomas MacDonald.
	New research identifies threat to human immune system's key defence mechanism November 2008 A breakthrough by scientists at the University of East Anglia, led by Dr. Matt Hutchings, could pave the way for new drugs that protect the human immune system from bacterial disease. Working with colleagues at the John Innes Centre, in the lab of Prof. Ray Dixon, the researchers have made a key discovery about how infectious bacteria succeed in invading the human body - despite being under attack by Nitric Oxide.
	Second summer school in applied Molecular Microbiology builds on success of the first October 2008 The second of the series of summer schools was held at Inter-University Centre (IUC) in Dubrovnik (http://www.iuc.hr/), August 24 - September 1 2008, with the title "Microbial Secondary Metabolites: Genomes, Signals and Communities". The schools are sponsored by the John Innes Centre and jointly co-directed by Professor Sir David Hopwood FRS and Dr. Julian E. Davies. The next summer school will be held on 21-29 August 2010 - click here for more details.
	Viruses Offer Hope for New Weapon Against C. difficile Infection September 2008 Clostridium difficile-associated disease, or CDAD forms a major part of the spectrum of serious hospital-acquired infections, and is much in the news at present. Last year there were approximately 500,000 cases in the US alone, and globally an increasing proportion of infections are by a new virulent type of C.diff that can cause death in up to 30% of patients. Although most strains of C.diff are currently sensitive to antibiotics, there are high relapse rates (up to 25%). Antibiotics have the disadvantage of damaging the normal gut bacteria, which predisposes the patient to the condition in the first place. There is therefore a pressing need for improved therapies to combat this problem. Now a group from the Institute of Food Research, led by Prof Mike Gasson, has isolated a lysogenic (inactive) bacteriophage from C.diff and shown that its endolysin gene can be used to make an active protein that is capable of killing C.diff. The work has been submitted as a patent application by PBL, and Prof Gasson is working with PBL to develop the opportunity further. Article from PBL News - Issue 14 - Sep 2008 (pdf file)
	Reducing Food Poisoning by Clostridium August 2008 Clostridium perfringens type A is a significant cause of food poisoning. Spores are commonly found in meat and poultry, albeit at a low concentration, and this pathogen is a particular problem when cooked foods are subject to inadequate cooling. The main concern is bulk meats cooked in large batches. A dynamic predictive model has been developed by IFR scientists József Baranyi and Mike Peck to describe the effects of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration on the growth of Clostridium perfringens type A. This new dynamic predictive model has been implemented in the IFR-developed Perfringens Predictor, a web-based application that can be accessed free of charge via www.combase.cc. These studies will contribute to a reduction in the food poisoning incidence associated with C. perfringens. Article from Science + Innovation, issue 2:08 (pdf file)
	Genetic and metabolomic analysis of important yeast strains August 2008 The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used for thousands of years in the fermentation of food and drink. In the last 10-20 years, there has been an upturn in the incidence of infections linked to this yeast. Dr. Ian Roberts and his staff at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, housed at IFR, have led the first combined genetic and metabolomic analysis of a group of medically-important and non-medical Saccharomyces strains.
	Immunity gene enhances production of antilisterial bacteriocin August 2008 A paper that IFR's Prof. Mike Gasson contributed to looks at Listeria monocytogenes which is a foodborne pathogen of major concern to the food industry. Developing an antilisterial dairy starter, adjunct or biopro tective culture is an attractive route to increase safety in dairy products. Pediocin PA-1, an antilisterial bacteriocin, has been produced in naturally resistant Lactococcus lactis strains, and recent work has shown that a pediocin PA-1 immunity gene significantly increases pediocin production.
	DNA Topoisomerases in Biology and Medicine July 2008 A meeting in Norwich, co-organised by Prof. Tony Maxwell, was held so that international scientists working on new drug discovery targets for cancer and bacterial diseases could all share their latest findings.
	Tapping into Thai resources June 2008 Many of the drugs used in medicine today are derived from microbial natural products, and include antiinfectives, anti-tumour agents, immunosuppressants and cholesterol lowering agents. Thailand boasts a wealth of microbial diversity, yet many of these organisms have proven refractory to culture under laboratory conditions. Funded by the British Council, JIC’s Mervyn Bibb and Kasetsart University’s Arinthip Thamchaipenet will now use metagenomic approaches to identify novel natural products with potential pharmaceutical application. Article from Advances: Spring 2008 (PDF file)
	Funding for superbug spin-out June 2008 Procarta Biosystems, the company spun-out of the John Innes Centre by scientists Dr Michael McArthur and Prof. Mervyn Bibb in the Department of Molecular Microbiology in 2007 to develop a technology designed to defeat antibiotic-resistant superbugs, has received significant seed funding. The Rainbow Seed Fund and the Iceni Seedcorn Fund have provided £320,000 to allow Procarta to further develop its DNA decoy technique, which aims to restore antibiotic efficacy against resistant superbugs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
	Secrets of bracing sea air May 2008 The latest in the University of East Anglia's public science lectures explores the science behind the familiar smell of the seaside. Presented by Prof Andy Johnston of UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, ‘Cloning the smell of the seaside – and other amazing things that bacteria do to the atmosphere’ examines the role of the gas dimethyl sulphide (DMS).
	Bioscience:Biomillions - delivering impact from research May 2008 JIC scientists, Professors Mervyn Bibb, Anthony Maxwell and Dr Jan Chojecki have contributed to Bioscience:Biomillions, an event organised by the BBSRC to demonstrate how the UK’s excellent bioscience research base is delivering substantial economic and social impact.
	Nitrous oxide - no laughing matter February 2008 Farmers, food suppliers, policy-makers, business leaders and environmentalists are joining forces to confront the threat of the 'forgotten greenhouse gas' by taking part in an influential new forum at the University of East Anglia. Prof David Richardson, co-ordinator of the Nitrous Oxide Focus Group which was launched on February 22, is hoping the group will engage with many influential organisations including the National Farmers Union, Marks & Spencer, British Sugar, Defra, the Country Land and Business Association and Unilever.
	DNA with a twist: new company Inspiralis to search for cancer drugs and antibiotics February 2008 A new company has joined the fight against MRSA and cancer. Researchers Prof. Tony Maxwell, Alison Howells and Dr Nicolas Burton at the John Innes Centre have launched a new company, Inspiralis Ltd, based around their expertise in DNA topoisomerases – a group of enzymes that help DNA molecules to unravel and wind up properly and not to become tangled during replication.
	New IFR Campylobacter website launched January 2008 Dr. Arnoud van Vliet and members of his research group at the IFR have launched a Campylobacter group website to provide more information on the IFR's research on Campylobacter, one of the major causes of food-borne bacterial gastroenteritis in the UK. The research aims to supply knowledge and resources to aid the development of Campylobacter control measures.

2007 News

	Decoy makes sitting duck of superbugs December 2007 A DNA-based therapy could slash the development time of new drugs to combat antibiotic resistant superbugs. Scientists Dr Michael McArthur and Prof. Mervyn Bibb in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the John Innes Centre, have proven that by taking a short stretch of DNA from a bacterium and delivering it with an existing antibiotic they can switch off antibiotic resistance.
	Bacteria shed light on an important group of human proteins November 2007 A collaboration between researchers in Switzerland, the UK and France has led to the solution of the first crystal structure of a member of the Rhesus protein family and thereby shed new light on a group of proteins of great importance in human transfusion medicine. The UK group was led by Professor Mike Merrick in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the John Innes Centre.
	Excellent start to summer schools in Applied Molecular Microbiology August 2007 The first of an annual series of summer schools was held at the Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences in Split, Croatia, 23-30 June 2007, covering "Microbial Genomics and Secondary Metabolites". The schools are sponsored by the John Innes Centre and jointly co-directed by Professor Sir David Hopwood FRS and Dr. Julian E. Davies. The next summer school will be held on August 24 - September 1 2008 - click here for more details.
	Publication of Clostridium botulinum genome explains its toxicity May 2007 Scientists including Professor Mike Peck from the Institute of Food Research have published the Clostridium botulinum genome in Genome Research. Their findings show that C. botulinum does not have genes to help it evade its hosts' immune systems, rather it simply kills the host and feeds off the remains before biding its time as a spore before another host presents itself. This is in contrast to other Clostridium species that do employ stealth tactics when invading their hosts. Other findings are that the C. botulinum varieties should perhaps be defined as separate species, that they can also feed of soil insects and crustaceans and that the C. botulinum’s genome holds almost no genes acquired from other species whereas C. difficile has over 10% acquired genes. These findings show how diverse the Clostridia are.