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Fundamentals That Drive the Future

The world runs on microbes. In many ways, understanding the mechanisms governing microbial life across scales, from single cells to ecosystems, is key to understanding life itself. But how do we unlock the mysteries of the microbial universe?

The Spring 2026 issue of Microcosm highlights the power of basic science research for expanding our knowledge of (micro)biology. Aligning with the launch of ASM’s Mechanism Discovery Scientific Unit and the inaugural ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Mechanism Discovery Meeting at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Microbe 2026, this issue showcases the importance and breadth of curiosity-driven, fundamental research that explores the “why” and “how” of the world. These explorations shine a light on the inner- and inter-workings of our tiniest friends and foes while enabling applied scientific advances to address real-world challenges.

Why Does Basic Science Research Matter?

Science is often judged based on its return on investment. However, groundbreaking discoveries are typically made when curiosity is set free and ideas flow across disciplines. Basic science is the gateway to unlocking the mysteries of our world. At the same time, it creates the conceptual, methodological capacities that help us address complex, evolving problems. 

The Value of Curiosity-Driven Research: Mechanism Discovery With Glen McGugan

Glen McGugan, Ph.D., Director of ASM's Mechanism Discovery Unit, discusses how curiosity-driven research—from parasite virulence to CRISPR and complex microbial systems—drives tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Stuck on You: How Bacteria Migrate and Adhere to Their Hosts

Bacteria are sticky creatures. New discoveries on mechanisms of bacterial adhesion show how microbes stay put on diverse, often hostile host surfaces—until, of course, it's time to let go.

Cable Bacteria: Electric Marvels of the Microbial World

Multicellularity is commonly associated with eukaryotes. However, the relatively recent discovery of multicellular bacteria in sediments has added perplexity to the nature and organization of these cells. Remarkably, the interactions in this group of bacteria, known as cable bacteria, occur via electricity.

Can't Sleep? Your Microbiome May Play a Role

Sleep is a hot commodity—we want it, we need it, but most of us aren’t getting enough of it. Emerging research shows that gut microbes and their metabolic products influence sleep quality and duration. How can understanding this link help us sleep better?

How Spatial Structure Shapes Microbial Communities

Microbes don’t exist in isolation. Rather, they clump together into single- or mixed-species aggregates and biofilms, shaped by various cellular and environmental factors. Researchers are combining established and cutting-edge techniques to understand the form and function of microbial communities with distinct 3D spatial structure and organization.

Plasmids and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Plasmids key players in the transfer of antibiotic resistance gene among bacteria. By understanding where, why and how often resistance plasmids are shared, we can continue to seek and develop solutions for emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens.

From Mpox to Measles: Why Viruses Cause Lesions and Rashes

There are a remarkable number of ways in which viruses make skin weird, triggering everything from blistery lesions to rosy rashes. While these signs of infection are easy to see, why and how they develop is less obvious.

Bringing Microbial Dark Matter Into the Light

While microbiologists have relied on Petri dishes to study microbes over the last century, most of Earth's microbial diversity hasn't been grown in the lab before. Advances in sequencing and single-cell techniques are giving microbiologists clues to cultivate this microbial dark matter.