A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the critical link between environmental degradation and pandemics, emphasizing the need for urgent ecosystem restoration efforts to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The study suggests that up to 95% of land on Earth will be degraded by 2050 if effective measures are not taken.
SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2022
Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that high levels of horizontal gene transfer help keep microbiomes stable and efficient, allowing for the creation of bespoke systems for environmental cleanup and biofuel production. The study suggests a dynamic division of labor among microorganisms enables robustness and flexibility.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022
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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022
A research team used game theory to analyze cooperation in networks and found that networks with a high level of cooperation can emerge if individuals take a clear-cut position against free riders. The study also showed that if contributors leave an environment too quickly, it leads to a lower level of cooperation.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 2022
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found a unique oral microbiotic signature in the saliva of veteran soldiers with PTSD, which may help diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder objectively. The study also showed that people with PTSD exhibit the same picture of bacteria in their saliva as those who have experienced combat stres...
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2022
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 1, 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.
New research finds that plants with shorter-lived flowers produce more fruits due to reduced microbial growth. Microbes on flowers can negatively impact plant yields.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateJul 25, 2022
A new study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that centuries-old lava caves on Hawaiʻi Island harbor an astonishing number of previously undiscovered bacterial species, including the Chloroflexi group. These microbes play key ecological roles in their communities and may have played a crucial role in shaping life on Mars and early Earth.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022
A team of researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory sent a tiny piece of Washington state soil into space to study how it behaves in microgravity. The experiment, called DynaMoS, aims to understand the dynamics of microbial communities and their role in plant growth, with implications for growing food on other celestial bodies.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 15, 2022
Researchers at Stanford University found that deep subsurface microbial communities can change in a matter of days, driven by geological activity rather than environmental pressures. The study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of these underground ecosystems and opens up possibilities for mapping the deep subsurface.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2022
A research team, led by Rohit Pappu and Anthony Hyman, found that protein molecules form dynamic clusters at low concentrations, which have structures that encode function. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that there is no further structure underlying biomolecular condensates.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A team of researchers has discovered 1.2-billion-year-old groundwater containing radiogenic helium, neon, and xenon, which could sustain subsurface microbial communities. The study reveals how energy stored in the Earth's subsurface can be released and distributed through its crust.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2022
Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalReviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022
The Emu project effectively identifies bacterial species by leveraging long DNA sequences spanning the entire length of the gene under study. This approach facilitates the analysis of key genes in microbiome researchers' efforts to sort out harmful and helpful bacteria.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2022
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A team of ecologists from CU museum identified over 7,000 organisms, mostly bacteria, in the guts of Rocky Mountain snails collected between 1920 and 2018. The findings show that microbiomes can offer insights into how animals interacted with their environments centuries ago.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 29, 2022
Researchers identified a specific bacterial microbe, Bombella apis, that can thrive in royal jelly and increase its amino acid content. This microbe helps developing bees build resilience against nutritional stress, making them smaller but healthier.
SourceIndiana University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers at McGill University have discovered microbes that can survive in conditions similar to those on Mars. These microorganisms thrive in extremely salty, cold, and oxygen-free environments by eating and breathing simple inorganic compounds. The study provides insights into the possibility of life on Mars.
SourceMcGill University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 21, 2022
Researchers found that fecal transplants restored intestinal function and reduced inflammation in mice lacking the antimicrobial compound catestatin. The study suggests that changes in gut microbial composition are responsible for the inflammatory response.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022
A novel computational method estimates the level of connectivity in bacterial communities, revealing that species diversity is limited by interaction strength. Understanding these stability principles is essential for developing medical treatments and preserving the environment.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 31, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A team of Australian scientists has analyzed rare earth elements in drilled reef cores to unveil a deep history of wild weather on the Great Barrier Reef. The study reveals that extreme runoff from intense monsoons affected water quality over 8,000 years ago, leading to reduced coral growth and reef decline.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalChemical Geology·DateMay 29, 2022
A recent study found that even tiny marine invertebrates have distinct and diverse microbial communities, called microbiomes. These findings challenge the assumption that closely related animals share similar microbiomes.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022
A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.
SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A UFZ research team has developed a new method called 'mass transfer with a loop' to stabilize microbial communities in bioreactors. This approach prevents the loss of crucial microorganisms, which are essential for various biotechnological processes, by synchronizing their composition and functions.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.
SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022
Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.
Researchers observed that bacteria change their swimming behavior to avoid getting stuck in confined spaces. In open areas, bacteria meander without discernible pattern, but upon entry into tight spaces, they straighten their paths to escape, suggesting physical features like walls and corners serve as crucial cues.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
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.
Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022
The study found that freshwater pearl mussels significantly affected biofilm bacterial dynamics, particularly with increased Bacteroidales and Clostridiales abundance. The presence of mussels also alleviated nitrogen deficiencies by recycling nutrients.
SourceShinshu University·JournalmSphere·TypeObservational study·DateApr 26, 2022
Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 25, 2022
A new study reveals that bacteria in the ocean swim through their environment while hunting for specific chemical cues, governing processes that control climate and marine food web health. The research demonstrates the importance of microbial behavior in shaping the ocean's microbiome.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022
A multi-institutional team finds that nitrogen insufficiency is a growing concern worldwide due to increased demand for nitrogen by plants and microbes. Declining nitrogen availability can slow plant growth and affect the food chain, while also constraining carbon storage and contributing to global warming.
SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2022
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.
Researchers found varied diversity of gut microbiomes among brown bears at three national parks in Alaska, with Katmai showing the most diversity due to its diverse food sources. The study advances understanding of wildlife habitat, diet, and gut microbiome diversity.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2022
The Logan Science Journalism Program has selected 12 accomplished science and health journalists to participate in its 35th annual fellowship program. The fellows will spend 10 days learning contemporary research techniques at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole.
Researchers have identified Velamenicoccus archaeovorus, an ultramicrobacterium that devours Methanosaeta cells in sewage treatment plants, leading to a new understanding of biomass conversion and recycling in deep sediments. The giant protein encoded by the gene enables it to dissolve cells.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers found that Chagas trypanosomes change the bacterial community in predatory bugs' intestines, leading to a decrease in diversity and an increase in certain pathogenic bacteria. The study also identified four bacteria species crucial for bug survival, which could be used to develop defensive substances against the parasite.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2022
Using insect exoskeletons and feces to promote sustainable crops could enhance plant growth, health and resilience. Insect-rearing byproducts may also act as pest control agents.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 2, 2022
A new study found that molds and yeasts are more prevalent in daycare centers than outside environments. The indoor mycobiome is influenced by factors such as building features and child density, suggesting a potential link between fungi and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and allergies.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 2022
A team of researchers found that many marine phytoplankton are voracious predators, consuming bacteria like Prochlorococcus and other primary production. This discovery reveals the complexity of ocean ecosystems and challenges traditional views of phytoplankton as solely photosynthetic organisms.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.
Seagrasses form methane from methylated compounds, which persist in plant tissue for decades, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Methane production is highly efficient and robust against environmental stresses in seagrass meadows.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
Scientists have found a new energy metabolism in lactic acid bacteria that combines features of respiration with fermentation. This hybrid metabolism enables the bacteria to thrive better and faster, potentially improving gut health by manipulating its growth.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022
A team of researchers discovered that chance plays a significant role in the formation of individual gut microbiomes, with genetic, diet, and environmental factors influencing the odds of colonization. The study's findings have major implications for treatments like fecal transplants and probiotics.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that marine snow particles help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to a more efficient carbon cycle. The discovery sheds light on how oxygen deficient zones play a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers found massive sponge gardens on extinct underwater volcanoes, dominated by sponges that feed on microbial symbionts and organic matter. The unique ecosystem supports thousands of years of life, with sponges acting as ecosystem engineers to create their own food trap.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2022
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A comprehensive 'vertical map' of airborne microorganisms has been created, showing that temperature is the single most important factor influencing their composition. As global temperatures rise, this could lead to significant changes in the air microbiome, affecting human health and food security.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2022
Researchers found that microbes in the soils generate methane gas, which is then processed as it moves through dead trees. The findings shed light on the sources of greenhouse gas emissions from ghost forests, a growing concern due to rising sea levels.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
Researchers discovered that microbes capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET) are spread through horizontal gene transfer and exist in various environments worldwide. The genes, which enable EET, were found in a wide range of organisms, from deep-sea microbes to human gut bacteria.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 1, 2022
A new study reveals that the genes present in a microbial community can predict its dynamic metabolic activity, with implications for the nitrogen cycle and other biogeochemical processes. The research provides insights into how scientists can infer metabolite dynamics from aggregate gene content, design microbial communities for speci...
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A recent study reveals significant differences between the gut microbiomes of male and female American minks, suggesting a surprising sexual distinction in carnivores. The findings have implications for future wildlife research, as analyzing fecal samples may not provide accurate assessments of population sex.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022
A recent study by North Carolina State University and Northern Michigan University found that eating human food reduces microbial diversity in black bears' guts. The researchers analyzed gut samples from 35 bears and found lower biodiversity in those with a diet rich in processed foods.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2022
Researchers created a model system to study the ultrasmall bacteria TM7 and found that they acquired a gene cluster encoding the arginine deiminase system, which helps them survive and multiply in the human oral cavity. This discovery suggests that TM7 may play a more protective role in oral health than previously thought.
SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers have successfully cultivated an archaeon called Methanoliparia from an oil production facility, which can convert oil into methane and carbon dioxide on its own. The microbe's unique genetic make-up gives it the ability to break down various hydrocarbons and activate enzymes that produce methane.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of viral transport by bacterial shuttles traveling along fungal hyphae. This process allows bacteria to benefit from taking viruses on their conquest of new habitats. The study also highlights the potential influence of viruses on nutrient and carbon cycles in soil ecosystems.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021
Researchers have created a new approach to edit genes within specific bacteria in a community using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling targeted genetic modifications. This technology could be used to track edited microbes and potentially treat diseases like digestive issues or create more resilient crops.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that resistant bacteria can hide resistance genes in inactive bacteria within biofilms, creating a reservoir of resistance that can be drawn upon when antibiotics are not present. This new understanding challenges the long-held assumption that resistant bacteria lose their res...
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers discovered yeast cells cause granular fluctuations at waterbodies' floors, moving buried materials by 1 billion times their size. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'microbial Brazil nut effect,' has implications for understanding dormant microorganisms and unknown pathogens.
SourceTohoku University·JournalSoft Matter·DateDec 8, 2021
A team of biologists identified the fungus Verticillium dahliae's effector molecule VdAMP3, which targets beneficial organisms in the plant's microbiome to promote infection. This discovery highlights the importance of considering the entire microbiome when understanding disease.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021
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