News RESEARCH & EVENTS


Tropical amphibians show resistance to deadly fungal pandemic, study finds


A global study [1] led by Queen’s University Belfast has revealed that tropical amphibians are beginning to resist one of the deadliest wildlife diseases ever recorded.


Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has devastated amphibian populations worldwide, driving dramatic declines and extinctions of frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. The disease has accelerated amphibian loss at rates higher than for most other organisms on Earth, making it a key driver of global biodiversity decline.


Published in Global Change Biology, the research analysed historical and recent infection data from


thousands of amphibian species across tropical and colder regions. The study found that while tropical species are showing signs of stabilising, amphibians in colder climates remain highly vulnerable.


Dr Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, principal investigator from Queen’s School of Biological Sciences, explained: “Chytridiomycosis has long been seen as the main cause of rapid amphibian declines. By compiling a global database covering threatened and non-threatened species alike, we now see that tropical amphibians are bouncing back, whereas colder-climate species are still experiencing ongoing declines.”


ILMAC Lausanne, a key trade fair for Switzerland’s chemical and life sciences sector, will return from 23–24 September 2026. Held within the Western Swiss life sciences cluster - home to organisations including Lonza, Nestlé and UCB - the event continues to attract growing interest from


industry professionals.


The 2024 edition recorded a 67% increase in visitor numbers and 25% growth in exhibitor participation compared to 2022. Organisers expect around 3,500 visitors and 220 exhibitors for the 2026 show.


High-quality networking remains a major draw,


The latest news from the science industry by Gwyneth Astles


Tropical frogs are showing resistance to deadly fungus. Credit: Queen’s University Belfast


He added: “In colder regions, seasonality and lower amphibian densities may have acted like ‘natural lockdowns,’ slowing both disease spread and the evolution of resistance. In contrast, tropical species, once hardest hit, appear to have developed tolerance, suggesting that coexistence with Bd is possible.”


Luke Goodyear, a PhD researcher at Queen’s who led the study, commented: “Our findings show two contrasting patterns. In the tropics, populations are showing early signs of recovery, while in Europe and other cooler regions, the impact of Bd is still increasing. These insights could help target conservation efforts where


they are needed most, before declines become irreversible.”


The research highlights region- and climate- specific dynamics of amphibian declines, offering hope that some species may stabilise or recover after severe population losses.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/jYYO


1. Fungal Panzootic Increasingly Threatens Temperate Amphibian Species While Impact Has Stabilised in Equatorial Regions published in Global Change Biology


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ILMAC Lausanne prepares for expanded 2026 edition


with 70% of attendees involved in decision- making processes and 94% of exhibitors recommending the fair. Companies typically take part using compact all-inclusive booth packages, with catering and networking sessions included for both exhibitors and visitors.


Registration for 2026 is now open, with early-


bird rates available until 31 December 2025. Further details on themes, exhibitor packages and participation can be found on the event’s website.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/YeRB 66233pr@reply-direct.com


Keynote speakers announced for Cell and Gene Therapy 2026


ELRIG has revealed Drs Stephen Ward (Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult) and Annarita Miccio (Imagine Institute) as keynote speakers for Cell and Gene Therapy 2026, taking place 9–10 March at Hinxton Hall, Cambridge, UK. The free-to-attend inaugural event will bring together scientists, patient advocates, and industry experts to explore advances in neurological disorders, sensory diseases, rare conditions, and cancer immunotherapy.


The two-day programme will feature talks, poster presentations, and interactive sessions, alongside an exhibition and networking opportunities to foster collaboration across academia, biotech, pharma, and investors. The Early Career Professional Poster Award will recognise emerging scientific talent.


Dr Stephen Ward, Chief Technology Officer at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, has over 20 years of expertise in cell and gene therapy. He has led major initiatives in process development, manufacturing,


and technology strategy, and serves as Vice Chair of the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership. Dr Ward will present ‘Is the Coming of Age of Advanced Therapies Now Within Our Grasp or Ephemeral Hope?’


Dr Annarita Miccio leads the Chromatin and Gene Regulation Laboratory at the Imagine Institute, Paris. Her research focuses on transcriptional control of haematopoiesis and developing therapies for beta-haemoglobinopathies, including lentiviral and CRISPR/Cas9 strategies. She will present ‘Successes and Challenges in Gene Therapy: The Example of Beta- Haemoglobinopathies.’


Dr Verena Brucklacher-Waldert, Board Member and Conference Director at ELRIG, said: “Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 will create a platform for meaningful collaboration, uniting experts to accelerate the translation of discoveries into patient impact.”


Dr David Baker, Conference Director, added: “Our programme combines cutting-edge


Dr Annarita Miccio.


talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to spark new ideas and foster progress. We’re thrilled to welcome Drs Ward and Miccio as keynote speakers.”


Dr Stephen Ward.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/6DR4 66600pr@reply-direct.com


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