Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables in Nearby Galaxies
  Certain types of large amplitude AGB variable are proving to be powerful
distance indicators that will rival Cepheids in the JWST era of high precision
infrared photometry. These are predominantly found in old populations and have
low mass progenitors. At the other end of the AGB mass-scale, large amplitude
variables, particularly those undergoing hot bottom burning, are the most
luminous representatives of their population. These stars are less than one Gyr
old, are often losing mass copiously and are vital to our understanding of the
integrated light of distant galaxies as well as to chemical enrichment.
However, the evolution of such very luminous AGB variables is rapid and remains
poorly understood. Here I discuss recent infrared observations of both low- and
intermediate-mass Mira variables in the Local Group and beyond.
