Theobald Smith Society
@njmicrobe.bsky.social
We are the New Jersey Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. Visit us at https://www.njmicrobe.org
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Bartha, a remarkable figure in environmental microbiology. As a past president of Theobald Smith Society, his contributions to the field of bioremediation have been immense. His legacy will continue to inspire. wix.to/hukzB8y
Richard Bartha, 1934–2025
We are sad to report that Richard Bartha, past president of Theobald Smith Society (1990-1991), passed away on August 11, 2025, at his home in Port Townsend, Washington. He was ninety years old. Ba...
wix.to
October 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Bartha, a remarkable figure in environmental microbiology. As a past president of Theobald Smith Society, his contributions to the field of bioremediation have been immense. His legacy will continue to inspire. wix.to/hukzB8y
Tiny but mighty: Rutgers study shows the 34-aa protein YoaI links phosphate, Mg²⁺, and osmotic stress pathways in E. coli. Small proteins = key cross-talk mediators in bacterial stress signaling. go.njmicrobe.org/1HDIM2 #Microbiology #SmallProteins #StressSignaling #Rutgers
September 2, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Tiny but mighty: Rutgers study shows the 34-aa protein YoaI links phosphate, Mg²⁺, and osmotic stress pathways in E. coli. Small proteins = key cross-talk mediators in bacterial stress signaling. go.njmicrobe.org/1HDIM2 #Microbiology #SmallProteins #StressSignaling #Rutgers
Rutgers Pharmacy Wang Lab advances enterovirus antivirals: New assay enables high-throughput screening of 2C inhibitors. Lead compound Jun6504 blocks EV-D68 paralysis in mice & protects motor neurons. go.njmicrobe.org/zWS04P #Enteroviruses #AntiviralDiscovery #DrugDiscovery
Advancing Enterovirus Antiviral Discovery: A New Assay and Potent 2C Inhibitor Show Promise Against Paralysis
Enteroviruses, including EV-D68, EV-A71, and Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), are a significant global health threat, causing a spectrum of diseases from mild respiratory illness to severe neurological compl...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 29, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Rutgers Pharmacy Wang Lab advances enterovirus antivirals: New assay enables high-throughput screening of 2C inhibitors. Lead compound Jun6504 blocks EV-D68 paralysis in mice & protects motor neurons. go.njmicrobe.org/zWS04P #Enteroviruses #AntiviralDiscovery #DrugDiscovery
New mouse study of Babesia microti + Borrelia burgdorferi co-infection:
Both persist 16 weeks
Borrelia tempers Babesia, while Babesia boosts Borrelia early
Babesia disrupts the BBB → possible CNS impact go.njmicrobe.org/f3L6bI #LymeDisease #Babesiosis #Coinfection
Both persist 16 weeks
Borrelia tempers Babesia, while Babesia boosts Borrelia early
Babesia disrupts the BBB → possible CNS impact go.njmicrobe.org/f3L6bI #LymeDisease #Babesiosis #Coinfection
Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi Co-infection in Mice
Tick-borne co-infections are an escalating concern in endemic regions worldwide, notably in the United States, where the protozoan Babesia microti and the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi are frequently...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 26, 2025 at 11:40 AM
New mouse study of Babesia microti + Borrelia burgdorferi co-infection:
Both persist 16 weeks
Borrelia tempers Babesia, while Babesia boosts Borrelia early
Babesia disrupts the BBB → possible CNS impact go.njmicrobe.org/f3L6bI #LymeDisease #Babesiosis #Coinfection
Both persist 16 weeks
Borrelia tempers Babesia, while Babesia boosts Borrelia early
Babesia disrupts the BBB → possible CNS impact go.njmicrobe.org/f3L6bI #LymeDisease #Babesiosis #Coinfection
Wang (Columbia) & Parker (Rutgers): New humanized mouse with autologous lung implants captures S. aureus infection dynamics: loss of human immune cells & cytokine surge. Bacterial stress-response essential for persistence go.njmicrobe.org/4NgYMT #Staph #Aureus #HostPathogen #MedicalMicrobiology
Staphylococcus aureus Research: Humanized Lung Models Unveil Host-Pathogen Dynamics
Staphylococcus aureus remains a formidable human pathogen, being a leading cause of bacterial-induced death, with significant concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and the current lack of an effective vaccine. A major hurdle in combating S. aureus is that it is a human-adapted pathogen, expressing virulence factors specific to human cellular receptors. This specificity limits the utility of traditional mouse models, which often fail to accurately replicate human-specific host responses to inf
go.njmicrobe.org
August 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Wang (Columbia) & Parker (Rutgers): New humanized mouse with autologous lung implants captures S. aureus infection dynamics: loss of human immune cells & cytokine surge. Bacterial stress-response essential for persistence go.njmicrobe.org/4NgYMT #Staph #Aureus #HostPathogen #MedicalMicrobiology
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Why don’t students learn what we think we teach? 🤔
Robert Duke, Ph.D. explores how learning reshapes the brain at the 2025 #ASMCUE plenary.
📅 Nov. 21–23 | San Antonio
👉 Register by Sept. 16 for early-bird savings!
Robert Duke, Ph.D. explores how learning reshapes the brain at the 2025 #ASMCUE plenary.
📅 Nov. 21–23 | San Antonio
👉 Register by Sept. 16 for early-bird savings!
August 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Why don’t students learn what we think we teach? 🤔
Robert Duke, Ph.D. explores how learning reshapes the brain at the 2025 #ASMCUE plenary.
📅 Nov. 21–23 | San Antonio
👉 Register by Sept. 16 for early-bird savings!
Robert Duke, Ph.D. explores how learning reshapes the brain at the 2025 #ASMCUE plenary.
📅 Nov. 21–23 | San Antonio
👉 Register by Sept. 16 for early-bird savings!
New research by Alvarez and Perlin @CDI show Omicron isn’t done evolving: New subvariants evade antibodies & damage lung epithelium. Co-infections with RSV or flu worsen pathology. go.njmicrobe.org/YMVi36 #SARSCoV2 #Virology #Coinfection #Omicron
Navigating the Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Threat: Insights into Recent Omicron Subvariants and Co-Infections
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may be behind us, but the virus continues its relentless evolution, posing ongoing challenges to public health. Research at the Center for Discovery & Innovation, led by Nadine...
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August 22, 2025 at 1:47 PM
New research by Alvarez and Perlin @CDI show Omicron isn’t done evolving: New subvariants evade antibodies & damage lung epithelium. Co-infections with RSV or flu worsen pathology. go.njmicrobe.org/YMVi36 #SARSCoV2 #Virology #Coinfection #Omicron
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Rutgers and Stanford researchers studied 139 children and found that antibody profiles against SARS-CoV-2 and autoantigens varied with disease severity.
Autoantibodies were common and may signal risk for long COVID and immune dysfunction.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Autoantibodies were common and may signal risk for long COVID and immune dysfunction.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Antibody repertoire associated with clinically diverse presentations of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection
Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection results in clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic/mild infection to severe pulmonary COVID-19, to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), charac...
www.medrxiv.org
July 24, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Rutgers and Stanford researchers studied 139 children and found that antibody profiles against SARS-CoV-2 and autoantigens varied with disease severity.
Autoantibodies were common and may signal risk for long COVID and immune dysfunction.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Autoantibodies were common and may signal risk for long COVID and immune dysfunction.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
Rutgers, "The COVID pandemic began with a myth - that children are spared its effects"
So why is the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health perpetuating this myth?
open.substack.com/pub/counterd...
So why is the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health perpetuating this myth?
open.substack.com/pub/counterd...
Rutgers, "The COVID pandemic began with a myth – that children are spared its ill effects"
So why is the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health perpetuating this myth?
open.substack.com
August 1, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Rutgers, "The COVID pandemic began with a myth - that children are spared its effects"
So why is the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health perpetuating this myth?
open.substack.com/pub/counterd...
So why is the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health perpetuating this myth?
open.substack.com/pub/counterd...
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
It's nearing the end of the summer and our undergrads have been presenting on their research at their respective summer research symposia. Terrific work by Jonah Simone at the Rutgers Health BMIHAI Symposium and Gianna Elie at the NJMS URSE Symposium!
August 8, 2025 at 2:04 AM
It's nearing the end of the summer and our undergrads have been presenting on their research at their respective summer research symposia. Terrific work by Jonah Simone at the Rutgers Health BMIHAI Symposium and Gianna Elie at the NJMS URSE Symposium!
New study from Boyd et al. @Rutgers w/ colleagues @NYU-SOM: triclosan—common in soaps & toothpaste—activates the SaeRS system in S. aureus, boosting virulence factor expression at levels found in humans. go.njmicrobe.org/0OhAOW #Microbiology #Virulence #Triclosan #PublicHealth
Triclosan's Unintended Role: Priming Staphylococcus aureus for Virulence
The persistent battle against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a leading cause of infectious disease-related illness and death worldwide, is continually complicated by its remarkable adaptability an...
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August 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
New study from Boyd et al. @Rutgers w/ colleagues @NYU-SOM: triclosan—common in soaps & toothpaste—activates the SaeRS system in S. aureus, boosting virulence factor expression at levels found in humans. go.njmicrobe.org/0OhAOW #Microbiology #Virulence #Triclosan #PublicHealth
Princeton, Rutgers PHRI, et al. introduce SHINE-TB: a CRISPR-based TB test that works in one pot, needs minimal equipment, and shows 100% sensitivity & specificity in early clinical samples. Portable, accurate, field-ready. go.njmicrobe.org/lkxwJo #Tuberculosis #Diagnostics #CRISPRDx #GlobalHealth
SHINE-TB: Point of Care Tuberculosis Diagnostics including in Resource-Limited Settings
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), continues to be a formidable global health threat, particularly in under-resourced areas where accurate and accessible diagnosis remains ...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Princeton, Rutgers PHRI, et al. introduce SHINE-TB: a CRISPR-based TB test that works in one pot, needs minimal equipment, and shows 100% sensitivity & specificity in early clinical samples. Portable, accurate, field-ready. go.njmicrobe.org/lkxwJo #Tuberculosis #Diagnostics #CRISPRDx #GlobalHealth
Candida glabrata acquires echinocandin resistance mostly in FKS2, not FKS1 (cell wall synthesis). Shor Lab @hackensackmeridian.bsky.social shows FKS2 dominates in host/stress conditions. Prime drug resistance target go.njmicrobe.org/ikZOlD #MedicalMycology #AntifungalResistance #CandidaGlabrata
Unraveling FKS1 and FKS2 Regulation in Candida glabrata
For clinicians battling the persistent threat of fungal infections, Candida glabrata stands out as a formidable adversary, particularly due to its increasing resistance to frontline antifungal drugs l...
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August 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Candida glabrata acquires echinocandin resistance mostly in FKS2, not FKS1 (cell wall synthesis). Shor Lab @hackensackmeridian.bsky.social shows FKS2 dominates in host/stress conditions. Prime drug resistance target go.njmicrobe.org/ikZOlD #MedicalMycology #AntifungalResistance #CandidaGlabrata
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This chart shows how long it's taken to develop vaccines for several diseases. For many, we are still waiting. (Malaria: 145 years and counting. Yikes.)
But see that tiny slice for Covid? That's thanks to mRNA!
But see that tiny slice for Covid? That's thanks to mRNA!
August 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
This chart shows how long it's taken to develop vaccines for several diseases. For many, we are still waiting. (Malaria: 145 years and counting. Yikes.)
But see that tiny slice for Covid? That's thanks to mRNA!
But see that tiny slice for Covid? That's thanks to mRNA!
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
RNA-binding motif protein 10 (RBM10) is a novel regulator of HIV-1 viral replication. The protein directly interacts with viral RNA and regulates both viral transcripts and host antiviral genes. Learn more in #mSystems: asm.social/2y8
August 18, 2025 at 6:20 PM
RNA-binding motif protein 10 (RBM10) is a novel regulator of HIV-1 viral replication. The protein directly interacts with viral RNA and regulates both viral transcripts and host antiviral genes. Learn more in #mSystems: asm.social/2y8
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
Dr. Humphries is currently Director of the Division of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Director of the Microbiology Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. She is an absolute powerhouse in the AST world, and as of this month, is the new Editor in Chief of JCM! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyU...
New Editor in Chief of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology
YouTube video by American Society for Microbiology
www.youtube.com
August 18, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Dr. Humphries is currently Director of the Division of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Director of the Microbiology Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. She is an absolute powerhouse in the AST world, and as of this month, is the new Editor in Chief of JCM! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyU...
Princeton's Ploss Lab leads effort to show how key mutations in the Yellow Fever E and NS2A proteins drive attenuation—altering viral spread & boosting interferon responses. A roadmap for future live-attenuated vaccines. go.njmicrobe.org/ppRtE2 #Virology #Vaccinology #LiveAttenuatedVaccines
Yellow Fever 17D's Attenuation: A Blueprint for Next-Generation Live-Attenuated Vaccines
The Yellow Fever (YF) 17D vaccine, developed in the 1930s, stands as a triumph in vaccinology, recognized as one of the most potent and durable vaccines known. Despite its widespread success, having b...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 16, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Princeton's Ploss Lab leads effort to show how key mutations in the Yellow Fever E and NS2A proteins drive attenuation—altering viral spread & boosting interferon responses. A roadmap for future live-attenuated vaccines. go.njmicrobe.org/ppRtE2 #Virology #Vaccinology #LiveAttenuatedVaccines
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🚨 Early-career virologists! 🚨Apply to be featured in #JVirology’s 2026 New Voices in Virology Minireview collection. 🧪✅ Open to: assistant professors, pre-tenured faculty, postdocs, equivalent stage.
📅 Apply for consideration by Sept. 5: asm.org/JVI-minireview
📅 Apply for consideration by Sept. 5: asm.org/JVI-minireview
August 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM
🚨 Early-career virologists! 🚨Apply to be featured in #JVirology’s 2026 New Voices in Virology Minireview collection. 🧪✅ Open to: assistant professors, pre-tenured faculty, postdocs, equivalent stage.
📅 Apply for consideration by Sept. 5: asm.org/JVI-minireview
📅 Apply for consideration by Sept. 5: asm.org/JVI-minireview
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Missing Elio Schaechter already. A long and eventful life, loving friends and family, and remembered more important microbiology in his 90s than I will ever know. Such a #MicrobialHero, but more to the point, a fine and kind human being. May his memory be a blessing to all.
August 15, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Missing Elio Schaechter already. A long and eventful life, loving friends and family, and remembered more important microbiology in his 90s than I will ever know. Such a #MicrobialHero, but more to the point, a fine and kind human being. May his memory be a blessing to all.
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It’s World Honey Bee Day! 🐝
From antimicrobial properties in honey to bee glue, bees have long been a focal point of antimicrobial studies. 🍯
From antimicrobial properties in honey to bee glue, bees have long been a focal point of antimicrobial studies. 🍯
August 16, 2025 at 9:01 AM
It’s World Honey Bee Day! 🐝
From antimicrobial properties in honey to bee glue, bees have long been a focal point of antimicrobial studies. 🍯
From antimicrobial properties in honey to bee glue, bees have long been a focal point of antimicrobial studies. 🍯
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
Saddened to learn of the passing of Moselio "Elio" Schaechter—Distinguished Professor at Tufts, SDSU and UCSD—humanist and visionary leader in the fields of microbiology and scientific communication—mentor, friend, and inspiration to me and so many others
Small Things Considered
Big Things Achieved
Small Things Considered
Big Things Achieved
August 15, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Saddened to learn of the passing of Moselio "Elio" Schaechter—Distinguished Professor at Tufts, SDSU and UCSD—humanist and visionary leader in the fields of microbiology and scientific communication—mentor, friend, and inspiration to me and so many others
Small Things Considered
Big Things Achieved
Small Things Considered
Big Things Achieved
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
Reposted by Theobald Smith Society
Elio Schaechter, eminent microbiologist and great human, leaves us his memoirs that tell the story of an extraordinary life: www.eliosmemoirs.org. What a fantastic and impactful journey!
Elio's Memoirs
www.eliosmemoirs.org
August 16, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Elio Schaechter, eminent microbiologist and great human, leaves us his memoirs that tell the story of an extraordinary life: www.eliosmemoirs.org. What a fantastic and impactful journey!
Zylstra Lab @Rutgers show R. wittichii RW1’s benzoate dioxygenase has the same electron transfer proteins as its dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran dioxygenase. Shared redox machinery = potential pathway competition in pollutant environments. go.njmicrobe.org/5dL1Bm #MicrobialCatabolism #Bioremediation
Microbial Multitaskers: Rhizorhabdus wittichii RW1 Reveals Shared Electron Transfer Pathways for Pollutant Degradation
Microbiologists constantly seek to understand the intricate metabolic capabilities of bacteria, particularly those involved in environmental remediation. Rhizorhabdus wittichii RW1, formerly classifie...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 14, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Zylstra Lab @Rutgers show R. wittichii RW1’s benzoate dioxygenase has the same electron transfer proteins as its dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran dioxygenase. Shared redox machinery = potential pathway competition in pollutant environments. go.njmicrobe.org/5dL1Bm #MicrobialCatabolism #Bioremediation
The Woychik Lab at Rutgers RWJMS uncover MazF-mt11, a TB toxin that halts protein synthesis by snipping the ribosome’s anti-Shine–Dalgarno sequence—helping M. tuberculosis persist for years. go.njmicrobe.org/TuimNi #Tuberculosis #BacterialPersistence #AntimicrobialTargets
Unveiling Mtb's Secret Weapon: How a New Toxin Hijacks Protein Synthesis to Drive TB Persistence
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the formidable bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a devastating global health crisis, responsible for more deaths annually than any other single infectiou...
go.njmicrobe.org
August 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The Woychik Lab at Rutgers RWJMS uncover MazF-mt11, a TB toxin that halts protein synthesis by snipping the ribosome’s anti-Shine–Dalgarno sequence—helping M. tuberculosis persist for years. go.njmicrobe.org/TuimNi #Tuberculosis #BacterialPersistence #AntimicrobialTargets