New preprint: Evolved T6SS resistance is toxin specific
Bacteria use a variety of sophisticated weaponry – including protein syringes, hole-punching nanomachines and weaponised viruses – to compete for space and resources. As well as their roles in shaping microbial communities and infections, these antimicrobials hold immense biotechnological potential for addressing pressing global challenges, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biocontrol, and microbiome engineering. Our vision is to harness this potential by understanding and controlling how microbes fight.
That’s a (resistance) wrap! Thanks to everyone who participated in the inaugural “Resistance 2 Writing” retreat today, it was great to hear about all the amazing science you’re working on! Huge thanks also to the UoM Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health for our AMR Challenge grant funding, and to the Manchester Conference centre for…
Here’s the latest preprint from my work on evolved resistance to Type VI Secretion system (T6SS) weaponry, funded by a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship. So happy to see this out! https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712380v1 T6SSs are molecular syringes that allow bacteria to inject a diverse array of toxins into rival cells. I’m interested in how gut…
I’m delighted to announce that MEEHubs 26 Registration is now OPEN!https://meehubs2026.oa-event.com/What: awesome conference in microbial ecology and evolution, with hubs around the worldWhere: right here at the University of Manchester (Michael Smith Biosciences Building)When: 3rd-5th August 2026:Abstract submission deadline: April 19thRegistration deadline: end of JulyPlaces are limited; register early to avoid disappointment!
Are you: If any of the above sound familiar, you might be interested in our AMR writing retreat taking place next week at the Manchester conference centre. Join Claudia Igler, Norman van Rhijn and myself for a day of constructive writing in a relaxed and collegiate setting! Lunch and refreshments are included. Registration is FREE…
It’s a privilege to be co-organising the Microbial Ecology and Evolution “Hub” Conference (MEEHubs2026), to take place 3rd to 5th August this year, along with UoM superstars Dr. Danna Gifford and Dr. Mike Bottery. We’re delighted to announce that the MEEHubs2026 Website is now LIVE, with an outstanding roster of invited speakers! https://meehubs2026.oa-event.com/ MEEHubs is a highly successful hub-based conference aiming…
The SmithLab are hiring a UK Home PhD student to start in October 2026: how do bacteria ‘tame’ phage parasites, and turn them into deadly Tailocin antimicrobials? This prestigious CODEM studentship provides full funding (tuition fees + stipend at UKRI rate), plus a £10,000 TechFirst stipend top-up per year. Please contact me directly if you are interested in…
I finally got round to making something resembling a website and logo for SmithLab! I’ve been doodling something like this for a while but had never spotted that the “S” creates two “L”s (presumably for LLab? WiLLiam?)
