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Multiple novel yeast species detected in the gut of green lacewing in Japan

Researchers isolated and described novel yeast species from the gut of green lacewings in Japan, revealing a wider range of microbial inhabitants than previously known. The study identified three new species within the Metschnikowia genus, shedding light on the insect microbiome's complexity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAntonie van Leeuwenhoek·DateOct 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

By air, rain and land: How microbes return after a wildfire

A study suggests that dispersal plays a major role in microbial succession after a fire. Researchers found that the emerging microbial communities in the soil surface changed with the seasons and plant reappearance, driven by dispersal. Dispersal from air contributed significantly to microbes entering the soil surface.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateSep 25, 2023

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Certain proteins in breast milk found to be essential for a baby’s healthy gut

A study found that specific proteins in breast milk correlate with the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, potentially playing a role in early immune and metabolic development. The research suggests a regulatory function of these proteins on the immune function of the gut microbiome in humans.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Genetic tools probe microbial dark matter

Researchers have identified essential genes for the growth of Patescibacteria, a group of tiny microbes that live on larger bacteria. The study provides insights into their unique biology and potential biotechnology applications.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 7, 2023

Race-based variations in gut bacteria emerge by 3 months of age

A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 17, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Racial and ethnic differences in gut microbiome emerge at 3 months old

Researchers analyzed thousands of samples from 700 children between birth and 12 years old, finding that racial and ethnic differences in the gut microbiome arise after three months of age. The study suggests that external factors shape these variations rather than being present at birth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2023

Scientists pinpoint the microbes essential to making traditional mozzarella

The study sheds light on the intricate interactions of microorganisms throughout the manufacturing process, influencing the microbiota's composition and organoleptic properties. The natural whey starter plays a significant role in shaping the microbial makeup of mozzarella, with subtle variations between traditional and modern dairies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

Astonishing complexity of bacterial circadian clocks

A recent study discovered the complex circadian clock mechanisms in soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis, regulating multiple genes and behaviors. The findings have significant implications for industrial applications, human health, and plant science.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Ancient pathogens emerging from melting ice and permafrost risk eroding ecosystems

A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

‘Time-traveling’ pathogens in melting permafrost pose likely risk to environment

A new study suggests that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could cause significant ecological damage, with up to 3% of invasive pathogens becoming dominant. The researchers found that these 'time-traveling' pathogens could lead to unpredictable results, including up to one-third of host species dying out.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Living together: Microbial communities are more than the sum of their parts

Researchers found that most microbial pairs fail to coexist, challenging the long-held hypothesis that every pair of microbes must also coexist in a bigger community. This study highlights the need for new predictive tools to engineer successful microbial communities, essential for biotechnology applications.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

The life below our feet: team discovers microbes thriving in groundwater and producing oxygen in the dark

A team of scientists has discovered ancient groundwaters harbor diverse microbial communities producing large amounts of 'dark oxygen'. This process enables microbes to survive and potentially consume methane, a greenhouse gas. The study's findings challenge prior assumptions about microbial life in subsurface ecosystems.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Vaccine against deadly chytrid fungus primes frog microbiome for future exposure

A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How studying poop may help us boost white rhino populations

A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

Archaea in a warming climate become less diverse, more predictable

Soil archaea in a warming climate become less diverse and more predictable, according to a long-term experiment led by Jizhong Zhou. The study found that experimental warming altered the community structure of soil archaea, reducing their taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 5, 2023

Diatoms provide an attractive habitat for bacteria

A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalJournal of Phycology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Your baby’s gut is crawling with unknown viruses

Researchers found an exceptional number of unknown viruses in the faeces of 647 healthy Danish one-year-olds, representing more than 200 families of yet to be described viruses. These viral species likely have a major impact on whether children develop various diseases later on in life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2023

Two-organ chip to answer fatty liver questions

Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Microbes that “eat together” may benefit from a shared immunological memory

Researchers discovered that viruses that infect bacteria and archaea in deep-sea hydrothermal vents share a common immunological memory, allowing symbiotic microbes to defend against the same virus. This challenges conventional wisdom on virus-host interactions, revealing a more nuanced relationship between these microorganisms.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 6, 2023

How the gut creates a cozy home for beneficial microbiome species

Fruit fly gut remodels itself to accommodate beneficial microbiome species, maintaining long-term stability of the gut environment. The research team identified physical conditions and substances that facilitate colonization by desirable species.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study shines new light on ancient microbial dark matter

An international research team analyzed over 400 Omnitrophota genomes, uncovering details about their biology and behavior. The study found that Omnitrophota are hyperactive with high metabolic rates, possibly as predators or parasites of other microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 16, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Evidence for the health benefits of consuming more live microbes

A new study found that increased consumption of live dietary microbes is linked to better health outcomes, including lower waist circumference and body mass index. The research suggests that a higher intake of fermented foods, raw fruits, and vegetables may support immune function and increase the diversity of microbes in the gut.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Gut bacteria are crucial for liver repair

A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

NUS researchers find differential impacts of Blastocystis strains on gut health

Researchers identified two Blastocystis strains, ST4 and ST7, with contrasting effects on the gut microbiome, promoting or disrupting a healthy balance. The study's findings suggest that geographical prevalence may influence the strain's impact on intestinal disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UCalgary study finds link between fungal microbes in infant gut and body weight

A UCalgary study has found a significant link between the diversity of fungal species in an infant's gut and their body mass index (BMI) in early childhood. The research also identified other contributing factors, including maternal diet and exposure to antibiotics, as influencing BMI.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Portland State study discovers immense diversity and interdependence in high temperature deep-sea microorganism communities

A new study by Portland State University researchers found that deep-sea microorganisms thrive in high-temperature environments and exhibit a staggering level of diversity, with over 500 new genera discovered. The microbes also rely on each other for survival through metabolic handoffs, revealing a complex interdependence.

SourcePortland State University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

Bacteria really eat plastic

A laboratory experiment shows that bacteria can digest and break down plastic, producing CO2 and other harmless substances. While microbial digestion is not a solution to the massive problem of oceanic plastic, it may provide part of the explanation for where plastic 'missing' in oceans stays.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Mycorrhizal types control biodiversity effects on productivity

A study in a subtropical forest found that arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) trees outperform ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees in high-diversity ecosystems due to more efficient nutrient-acquisition strategies. In contrast, EcM tree monocultures had reduced net primary production and were dominated by pathogenic fungi.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Deep meditation may alter gut microbes for better health

A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe

Researchers found a novel gene-transfer mechanism in Prochlorococcus that enables the transmission of entire blocks of genes between organisms, even when widely separated. This mechanism, dubbed 'tycheposons,' involves sequences of DNA that can include several genes and are transported by membrane vesicles or hijacked virus particles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJan 9, 2023

Study examines bacteria living in and on mosquitoes

A North Carolina State University study found that mosquitoes harbor diverse bacterial communities, including those associated with human diseases. The research revealed greater bacterial diversity internally than externally, suggesting that mosquitoes may transfer pathogenic bacteria through physical contact or defecation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

PolyU researchers compile world’s first “atlas” of airborne microbes that provides an important new perspective for public health research

Researchers compiled a comprehensive map of the world's airborne microbes, providing fresh insights into how these species interact with the surface environment. The atlas reveals that human activities have changed the structure of microbiomes in natural ambient air, particularly with higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Precision insights can be found in wastewater

Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses microbiome data from wastewater to estimate the number of individuals represented in a sample. The method was trained on over 1,100 people's samples and can be used to link wastewater properties to individual-level data.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

New branch on tree of life includes 'lions of the microbial world'

Researchers discovered a new ancient branch of life, Provora, comprising microbial predators that nibble prey to death. These microbes, called nibblerids and nebulids, were found in marine habitats globally and differ by 170-180 nucleotides from all other living things.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2022

New method reveals marine microbes’ outsized role in carbon cycle

A new study reveals that only a small fraction of marine microorganisms consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide, with less than three percent accounting for up to a third of the process. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the ocean's carbon cycle.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2022

Gut microbes disturbed by COVID-19 infection, especially with antibiotics

A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those treated with antibiotics, experience significant disruptions in their gut microbiome balance. This imbalance may lead to the development of targeted probiotic supplements to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

A systematic review of 29 studies found that combining probiotics with antibiotics can prevent or lessen some changes to the gut microbiome composition. Probiotics can also help protect species diversity and restore friendly bacteria populations, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 16, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Having good friendships may make for a healthier gut microbiome

A new study on rhesus macaques reveals a strong link between social connections and the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria. Monkeys with more sociable behavior have a higher presence of microbes like Faecalibacterium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2022

Tracing tomatoes’ health benefits to gut microbes

Research found tomatoes increased gut microbiome diversity and shifted bacteria toward a more favorable profile in young pigs. The findings suggest a potential link between tomato consumption and improved health outcomes in humans.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateNov 8, 2022

COVID-19 virus increases risk for other infections by disrupting normal mix of gut bacteria

A new study found that COVID-19 infection directly interferes with the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, further endangering patients. The research revealed that antibiotic-resistant species can escape into the bloodstream, putting patients at greater risk for life-threatening secondary infections.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Researchers design soil-inspired multifunctional chemical system

The researchers designed a chemical system inspired by soil that can respond to external stimuli and modulate gut microbiota abundance and dysregulated microbes. This system shows promise for treating gastrointestinal disorders and may have implications for human health and agro-ecosystems.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.