Microbes and the Bioeconomy: Greasing the Gears of Sustainability

Spring 2024

Microbes have long greased the gears of the bioeconomy. But the story of how microbiology drives vital processes that support the bioeconomy often goes untold. The Spring 2024 issue of Microcosm takes an in-depth look at the critical role of microbes in creating sustainable fuel alternatives, remediating wastewater, fighting foodborne pathogens and beyond.

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Antimicrobial Resistance

Fall 2023

From discovering new antibiotics, to implementing policies that steward existing drugs in the antimicrobial toolbox, the Fall 2023 issue of Microcosm explores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how to combat one of the largest threats to global public health and the environment.

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Microbes and Society

Spring 2023

The Spring 2023 issue of Microcosm offers a sneak preview of ASM Microbe 2023 by exploring the impact microbes have on our everyday lives—and the potentially huge impact they could have on our future.

(Re)Emergence of Infectious Diseases

Fall 2022

The Fall 2022 issue of Microcosm explores the intersections between the spread of disease, climate change and human health.

Water Microbiology: Bringing Microbes to the Surface

Spring 2022

The Spring 2022 issue of Microcosm explores the intersection between water-dwelling microbes, human health and climate change.

Microbes Between Us: How Pathogens Move Between Species and Environments

Winter 2021

The Winter 2021 issue of Microcosm examines the "One Health" concept, the connection between pets and their humans, microbiology mysteries and much more.

Diagnosing the Solution

Spring 2021

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Microcosm explores the ongoing health crisis, takes a look at lessons learned so far—such as the need for well-equipped, well-staffed clinical laboratories—and discusses the need for proactive planning to prevent the spread of disease.

Ins and Outs of Vaccines

Fall 2020

An effective vaccine is the best way to stop a pandemic, but by itself is not enough; the public must believe it is safe and effective so that vaccination rates achieve herd immunity. We explore the "Ins & outs" of vaccines in this issue of Microcosm, ASM's membership magazine.

How Microbes Are Causing and Solving Humanity's Biggest Problems

Spring 2020

Are microbes helpful, or are they harmful? The answer to both questions is "Yes"—which we explore in the Spring 2020 issue of Microcosm, ASM's membership magazine.

ASM's Focus on Global Public Health

Fall 2019

The Fall 2019 issue of Microcosm, ASM's membership magazine, focuses on public health—and the need for international cooperation and collaboration among microbiologists to fight disease outbreaks and prevent their spread.

ASM Microbe 2019

Summer 2019

The Summer 2019 issue of Microcosm, ASM's membership magazine, spotlights "ASM Microbe 2019," which brought together more than 8,000 scientists to share research and celebrate the microbial sciences.

Where Science and Technology Intersect

Spring 2019

The Spring 2019 issue of Microcosm focuses on developments that have changed diagnostic technology. By accelerating our ability to gather and analyze information, we can break through past boundaries and arrive at previously inaccessible insights.