In a residential backyard in Maine, Project ITCH researchers stumbled upon a surprise finding: rabbit ticks harboring a new type of bacteria related to a group of pathogens that can cause sometimes life-threatening spotted fever rickettsioses(SFR) infections in humans. The most common and deadly SFR is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which has a death rate of 20-30% if not treated promptly with the antibiotic doxycycline. 

Charcoal rot, caused by the soilborne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Mp), poses a serious threat to soybean health and harvests at a global scale. The disease thrives in dry, hot conditions and can quietly devastate crops before symptoms even appear. Now, researchers have developed high-resolution risk maps that predict where charcoal rot is most likely to occur—based on the soil beneath the surface.

BioOne is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the BioOne Ambassador Award. Now in its eighth year, this prestigious award celebrates the next generation of excellence in science communication. Recipients are exceptional early-career researchers within the BioOne community who are accelerating the dissemination of their work to a broader audience and fostering public understanding and appreciation of science.