Articles tagged with Microbial Diversity
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Research from UNH shows that crop rotations can increase soil microbial functions, improving plant growth and soil health. By increasing rotational diversity, farmers can promote agroecosystem sustainability and mitigate threats to food security and environmental quality.
Researchers found that high-throughput molecular methods used to analyze soil fungi often produce biased results due to limitations in taxonomic resolution and primer-template mismatches. Despite these biases, the study suggests that PCR-free methods have potential for understanding functional capacity of microorganisms.
A study by George Washington University researchers has identified a unique microbiome pattern in the throat of individuals with schizophrenia. The findings suggest that certain oral bacteria may be associated with the disease, offering new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment.
Research suggests that a lack of dietary diversity contributes to health issues like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Diversifying the diet can optimize the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in metabolic and GI regulatory systems.
Researchers found that Papua New Guineans have microbiomes with greater bacterial diversity and lower inter-individual variation compared to US residents. The study proposes a model based on ecological theory that explains the decline of microbiota diversity in urban-industrialized societies.
A study reveals new species of microbes in permafrost and active layer, hinting at life strategies under subzero temperatures. The researchers used 'omics' tools to understand how microbes survive and thrive in frozen conditions.
Innovative sequencing technologies are allowing scientists to study ocean microbes, revealing their critical role in the global carbon cycle and ecosystem health. The findings highlight the diversity of marine protists and their impact on ocean ecosystems.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial family that is highly heritable and more common in individuals with low body weight. Transplanting this microbe into mice prevented weight gain, suggesting its potential as a treatment for obesity.
A twin study found that specific gut microbes are heritable and more common in lean individuals, protecting against weight gain. The findings suggest that genetic variation influences the composition of gut microbes, which can be used to develop personalized probiotic therapies to reduce obesity-related diseases.
Researchers found that humans have less diverse gut microbiomes than African apes, with a possible link to modern diets and lifestyle changes. The rate of change in microbial diversity accelerated in humans from some parts of the world, potentially leading to negative health effects.
Researchers found widespread antibiotic production by soil bacteria in tropical forests, with varying abundance and effectiveness across the landscape. This variation could influence plant disease, productivity, and forest composition.
A team led by Indiana University's Jay Lennon is exploring the role of dormancy in microbial diversity and its impact on ecosystem processes. The five-year project aims to understand how dormant microbes contribute to geographic patterns of diversity.
Researchers discovered active microbes in tiny droplets of water, revealing diverse bacteria and archaea. These microorganisms also degrade oil in asphalt, suggesting a similar process could be used to clean up oil spills.
Research by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that diet impacts male and female gut microbiomes differently. In some cases, different bacterial species dominate in one sex versus the other. This difference highlights the need for therapies to be tailored for each sex when it comes to nutrition-based treatments.
Researchers found a strong connection between post-transplant gut microbiota diversity and outcomes, with patients having low diversity more likely to die from transplant-related causes. The study suggests that preserving gut microbiota diversity may improve stem cell transplant outcomes.
A study of professional rugby players found that exercise increased the diversity of gut microbiota, which was positively correlated with a favourable metabolic profile and immune system response. Higher dietary protein intake also played a role in this association.
Researchers found that fish with a diverse diet had less bacterial diversity in their guts than those with a specialized diet. This discovery could impact the use of probiotics and diet in treating diseases associated with gut bacteria.
A new approach enables researchers to distinguish between different microbial species in complex communities, allowing for the discovery of previously unknown species and a better understanding of their genomic content. This breakthrough has significant implications for studying the human microbiome and its impact on individual health.
A recent study reveals that the marine microbe Prochlorococcus has hundreds of distinct genetic subpopulations, each with a unique genomic backbone. This diversity is finely tuned for optimal growth under different conditions, creating a robust and stable population in the face of environmental instability.
A new study revealed that marine algae can detect a range of colors beyond red light, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This innovation has significant implications for understanding photosynthetic life and potentially improving food production by teaching crops to grow in various light conditions.
A new study found that decreased bacterial diversity in the gut is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that a reduced variety of gut microbiota may contribute to the development of CRC.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that bacteria are responsible for conveying detailed information through scent posts of hyenas, allowing other animals to quickly gather information about their health and surroundings.
A CU-Boulder-led research team has gained insights into the vital but rarely considered microbial communities thriving in dark, fertile soils beneath the lost tallgrass prairie. The study reveals a dominant phylum of bacteria, Verrucomicrobia, which played a crucial role in the ecosystem's productivity and fertility.
Researchers found that patients with primary immunodeficiencies had altered skin microbiomes, with specific sites showing reduced microbial diversity. The study suggests that correcting the diversity of microbes on the skin may aid in disease treatment.
Scientists have discovered life forms dating back nearly a hundred thousand years in subglacial lake sediments, challenging our understanding of what can survive in extreme environments. The discovery, made in Lake Hodgson on the Antarctic Peninsula, reveals diverse microorganisms that could hold clues for survival on other planets.
A study by Linköping University and Karolinska Institutet found that children born via Caesarean section have a lower diversity of gut bacteria, increasing the risk of allergies. Vaginal birth exposes the child to beneficial bacteria in the mother's birth canal.
Researchers discovered that soil microbial biomass and fungal activity increased as the soil aged, with correlations between microbial respiration and soil nitrogen content indicating a community-wide influence on the environment. Yellow mountain avens, which support nitrogen fixation, took 40 years to impact soil microbial biomass.
Researchers used single-cell genomics to identify 201 distinct microbial genomes, revealing unexpected metabolic features and resolving relationships within and between microbial phyla. The study provides a profound leap of understanding the microbial evolution on our planet.
Researchers aim to improve biosynthetic yield of valuable natural products using metabolically modified bacteria with optimized MEP pathways. The goal is to produce high-quality substances efficiently, reducing labor and costs in the process.
Researchers discovered two new symbionts, Cthulhu macrofasciculumque and Cthylla microfasciculumque, living in termite guts that aid wood digestion. These tiny protists were named after Lovecraft's monsters due to their octopus-like movements and appearance.
Researchers found that reintroducing normal microbial diversity can eliminate vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from the intestinal tracts of mice and potentially humans. The study suggests that certain bacterial species, such as Barnesiella, play a key role in preventing colonization by VRE.
Researchers found that cooperators and cheaters can survive in a state of perpetual war as long as there is room for growth. The model revealed that producers cluster to access resources, while cheaters pay with reduced resource access.
A recent study found that Amazon deforestation results in a significant loss of microbial diversity, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The research team discovered that the conversion of rainforest to agricultural pastures causes a homogenization of bacterial communities, resulting in a net loss of diversity.
A recent study found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a net loss of diversity among microbial organisms, which are crucial for ecosystem function. The research revealed biotic homogenization and reduced genetic variation in bacteria across converted forests, compromising ecosystem resilience.
Recent studies have begun to explore the connections between animal microbiomes and behavior, showing that beneficial microbes can influence animal behaviors such as feeding, mating, and predator-prey interactions. The study suggests that behavior plays a critical role in establishing microbiomes, which then influence animal behavior.
Hyenas' scent glands harbor diverse microbial communities that produce unique chemical signatures, enabling clan recognition and social behavior. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of microbes in animal behavior, with future studies planned to explore their role further.
A recent mouse study found a clear link between inflammation in the gut and changes in bacterial communities. The research team discovered that inflammation leads to simplification of diverse microbial communities, allowing new bacteria to establish footholds, such as E. coli, which promotes tumor formation.
A recent study found that mice carrying a set of friendly microbes fail to develop a proper immune system, highlighting the importance of host-specific microbiota. The researchers suggest that a coevolved relationship between humans and their gut microbiome may be compromised by modern lifestyle factors.
The Human Microbiome Project identified a diverse and abundant microbiota in healthy humans, with varying composition across body sites and individuals. Ethnic/racial background was found to be the strongest association for diversity in the Western human microbiome.
The Human Microbiome Project Collection provides a comprehensive baseline of the microbial diversity at 18 human body sites, including reference genomes and metagenomic sequences. The studies examine relationships between the microbiome and host health, shedding light on conditions such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.
A comprehensive census of the microbial make-up of healthy humans identified over 10,000 species of microbes occupying various body sites. The research found unique communities of microbes in every site, with skin hosting the most diverse collection, while teeth and gums had distinct microbiota profiles.
Bess B. Ward has received the 2012 Procter & Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology for her sustained influence on marine microbiology and contributions to understanding nitrogen cycling processes in low-oxygen regions of the ocean.
Stephen J. Giovannoni receives the USFCC/J. Roger Porter Award for his contributions to microbial biodiversity and ecosystem research, particularly in the fields of marine microbiology and SAR11 clade discovery.
Research reveals that gut microbes fine-tune body weight by extracting energy from food, with changes in diet and environment significantly altering their composition. The study suggests that therapeutic modification of the gut microbiome may offer a promising approach to treating obesity and related health conditions.
A new NIST report summarizes efforts to advance indoor microbial sampling, highlighting challenges and future priorities for surface and aerosol analysis. The report explores cross-cutting issues such as education and public awareness, and provides a comprehensive overview of existing resources.
A new study in mBio reveals that microbes thriving on hot fluid methane and sulfur are replaced by those feeding on solid iron and sulfur when deep-sea vents go dormant. Researchers also explore genomic sequencing data to aid rapid detection of hospital-acquired infections caused by enterococci bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus, a heat-loving organism, that are already separate species despite sharing the same habitat. The microbes exhibited slight genetic differences and decreasing gene exchange between the two groups, indicating sympatric speciation.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is collaborating with the Flatley Discovery Lab to investigate and supply marine microbial extracts as possible treatments for cystic fibrosis. The collaboration aims to stimulate the mutated CFTR gene to work normally, offering a new approach beyond traditional antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Douglas A. Mitchell, an Illinois professor, has been awarded the $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a generalized toxin-disabling strategy against bacterial pathogens. His approach aims to create drugs that combat pathogenic microbes without promoting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers used computer models to simulate the dispersal of microorganisms in the Earth's atmosphere, finding that smaller microbes can easily travel thousands of kilometers over a year-long period. This study has significant implications for understanding microbial diversity and the potential for disease outbreaks.
Scientists present research on healthy microbes, mosquito-borne diseases prevention and E. coli food contamination. Researchers shed light on standing water mosquito breeding in cities and its impact on controlling larval mosquitoes. They also examine the complex relationships between humans and microbes in food production systems.
A new study reveals that only a small percentage of microbes in the colon are responsible for breaking down undigested food, with variations in abundance across different regions of the colon. The findings have implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and potential targets for treatment.
Scientists have found a hitherto unknown type of fungi, cryptomycota, which has significantly expanded our knowledge of fungal diversity. The discovery was made possible by analyzing DNA samples taken from the University of Exeter's pond, revealing a previously hidden branch in the fungal tree of life.
Researchers found a richer bacterial community in asthmatic patients' airways compared to healthy individuals, with increased diversity and specific organisms correlated with sensitivity. The study suggests new treatment approaches for asthma and may shed light on the role of microbiota in other diseases.
Scientists have discovered that bacterial and archaea microbes primarily acquire new genes through horizontal gene transfer, a process responsible for the diversification of protein families. This study highlights the importance of this process in microbial evolution and its role in shaping the biochemical diversity of life.
The article highlights the significant impact of human microbiome on overall health, with microbes contributing to protection from disease and production of essential vitamins. Researchers are also exploring how the gut microbiome affects body weight and odor.
A study led by Howard Ochman found that host species, rather than diet, have the greatest effect on gut bacteria diversity in great apes. The researchers discovered that bacterial populations assorted to species and matched the relationships of their host, indicating a long history of co-evolution.
Researchers will investigate microbial community diversity, structure, and responses to climate change in two ecosystems. The studies could inform U.S. policy on climate change and advance the field of microbial ecology.
Research reveals that farm management choices significantly influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi distribution, with organic farming showing higher AMF richness. This understanding can improve crop production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to address food security and climate change challenges.
Researchers successfully reshaped the gut microbiome of rats, inducing long-term changes that could lead to new treatments for intestinal diseases. The study found that transplantation alone was sufficient to introduce new species into the intestinal microbial composition.