Episode notes
Equitable access to healthcare, and more specifically diagnostic testing, remains elusive globally, negatively impacting the health and wellbeing of all people. A not-so-distant illustration was access to testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, when testing sites globally, including here in the United States, underserved the very populations who bore a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 cases and deaths. There is a tremendous opportunity for research on diagnostic access, as well as the epidemiology and diseases that impact underrepresented groups, in clinical microbiology. In 2026, JCM…
Podcast
Editors in Conversation
American Society for Microbiology · Tech & Science · English
Editors in Conversation is the official podcast of the American Society for Microbiology Journals. Editors in Conversation features discussions between ASM Journals Editors, researchers and clinicians working on the most cutting edge issues in the microbial sciences. Topics include laboratory diagno
More from Editors in Conversation All episodes →
-
E124 · 2 Oct 2026 · 48 min
Ebola: Is Your Laboratory Prepared To Handle a Potential Case?
An outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus remains in a period of intense transmission, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since it's first detection in May, 6757 cases have been confirmed across 6 provinces of the DRC, along with 20 cases in Uganda and one in France (as of September 8). A crude case fatality ratio of 48% underscores the severity of the disease and the ongoing challenges towards case detection, clinical care and, ultimately, interruption of transmission. Unchecked transmission of Bundibugyo in the DRC heightens the risk of exportation across…
-
E123 · 18 Sep 2026 · 41 min
Group B Strep After Antibiotics: Survival, Persistence, and Evolution
In this episode of Editors in Conversation mBio edition , Marvin Whiteley speaks with Macy Pell and Shannon Manning about how group B Streptococcus (GBS) responds to antibiotics given during childbirth to prevent newborn infections. GBS can cause serious neonatal disease, and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has greatly reduced early-onset infections. But some GBS strains persist after treatment. The conversation explores a recent mBio study comparing GBS isolates collected from the same individuals before and after antibiotic treatment and childbirth. Rather than simply acquiring new…
-
E121 · 8 Aug 2026 · 43 min
Gram-Negative Resistance: A Decade of Evolution with Laurent Poirel, Ph.D.
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections remain one of the most urgent public health challenges worldwide, with some infections approaching the limits of available treatment options. In this special edition of Editors in Conversation, we celebrate the remarkable 10-year tenure of Dr. Laurent Poirel, whose pioneering work has profoundly shaped our understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Through his unique perspective, we will explore the evolving landscape of resistance in Gram-negative organisms, reflect on the major advances and challenges of the past decade, and discuss what the…
-
E120 · 31 Jul 2026 · 30 min
Technology and Discovery in Modern Microbiology
New imaging and measurement approaches are revealing previously hidden aspects of microbial life, challenging long-held assumptions and creating opportunities to answer questions that were once out of reach. Marvin Whiteley, Heran Darwin and Jeffrey Moffitt talk about how technological innovation is transforming microbiology. Guests: Heran Darwin, Ph.D. - NYU Grossman School of Medicine Jeffrey Moffitt, Ph.D. - Boston Children's Research This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by mBio ® and hosted by mBio Editor in Chief, Marvin Whiteley, Ph.D. Visit…
-
E119 · 19 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Cyclospora In The Lab
It starts out with a couple of stomach twinges, maybe a little nausea, maybe some sharp pains, and then… before you know it, you are running to the closest toilet with which you become very, very familiar. Cyclospora causes frequent watery diarrhea with sometime "explosive" bowel movements, but is typically a relatively rare cause of infectious diarrhea. However, the U.S. is in the midst of one of the largest documented cyclosporiasis outbreaks. How does one acquire this parasite? What are the risks? And – most importantly for our audience – how does the lab approach diagnosis? Guests:…
-
E118 · 10 Jul 2026 · 30 min
Next Gen Careers in Clinical Microbiology
So, you think you want a career in clinical microbiology? This field demands more than technical skill—it's driven by curiosity, growth, and the confidence to lead. From mastering diagnostics to pushing innovation and mentoring the next generation, success comes to those who keep evolving. In this episode, we explore the many paths into the field—and spotlight the Laboratory Director role through a candid conversation between early- and mid-career leaders, sharing the real highs, lows, and advice for those ready to step up. Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/p992HyDcm-M Guests: Amanda…
-
E117 · 1 Jul 2026 · 44 min
AI and Antibiotic Discovery
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world in many ways. One of the most exciting applications of artificial intelligence is in the area of drug discovery. Particularly the discovery of antimicrobial molecules that are in the environment or even hidden within our own body. Today, we discuss some of the uses of artificial intelligence in the discovery of antimicrobials with an outstanding expert in the field. Topics discussed: How artificial intelligence can help the discovery of new antimicrobial moieties Antibiotic discovery and challenges to bring molecules to the clinic The…
