The Pathologist

From energy-hungry freezers and cold-chain logistics to aging laboratory infrastructure and single-use plastics, sustainability in life sciences is rarely straightforward. Here, Corey Meek and Ann Brine of Promega discuss the practical challenges, unexpected opportunities, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of greener laboratories. Corey Meek, CSR Program Manager, Promega. Credit: Promega Ann Brine, Head of Marketing Services, Promega UK.

Researchers have identified biological differences between the bovine mammary gland and respiratory tract that may explain why highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 primarily causes mastitis in dairy cattle rather than respiratory disease. The findings were published in Science Advances. Since 2024, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have spread through dairy herds in the United States.

Cristina Magi-Galluzzi What inspired you to study medicine, and then to specialize in pathology? I wanted to be a doctor since I was around five years old. My fascination with science, along with the opportunity to help people in meaningful ways, initially inspired me to study medicine.

A nationwide genomic study has found that multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is spreading widely in community settings across the United States, raising concerns about treatment options for common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed more than 2,000 antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella isolates collected from 10 regional diagnostic laboratories between July 2023 and July 2024.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can improve fever management in sub-Saharan Africa, but their impact depends on more than test performance, according to a mixed-studies systematic review published in Nature Communications.

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool that enables more complete and accurate genome assembly from long-read sequencing data, according to a study published in Nature. The tool, called HERRO (haplotype-aware error correction), was designed to address one of the major challenges in long-read sequencing: distinguishing true genetic variation from sequencing errors.

Strengthening disease surveillance and prevention in low resource settings remains a challenge despite communities crying out for support. Following her keynote scientific interview at ESCMID Global 2026, we connected with Senjuti Saha to discuss the funding and workforce gaps in Bangladesh, and how integrating technology and building trust can strengthen diagnostic services. Senjuti Saha What are the main gaps in disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity in low-resource settings today?

Advancements in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are enabling less invasive fetal blood group testing, improving transplant monitoring, and opening the door to safer, more targeted transfusion care. Here, Pearl Audon and Gagan Mathur, from the University of California, share insights into this evolving landscape and what it means for laboratory professionals.

Credit: AdobeStock.com A portable CRISPR-based assay developed during the 2025 Mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone demonstrated complete concordance with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in a field evaluation, according to a study published in Nature Communications. The assay, called Mpox SHINE, was designed to address diagnostic challenges in decentralized settings where access to molecular testing may be limited.

Liquid biopsy testing is emerging as a valuable, minimally invasive diagnostic technique that overcomes the constraints of tissue availability. With shorter turnaround times and less pre-analytic processing than traditional tissue analysis, these assays offer a more streamlined path from sample to result.