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Scientists illuminate ancient plant-fungus partnership at molecular level

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have developed new tools to study the molecular level of plant-fungus partnerships. By identifying key proteins involved in nutrient exchange, they aim to develop crop varieties that form more effective symbioses, reducing fertilizer costs and improving crop resilience.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026
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Imaging reveals bacterial symbionts in the ovaries of tiny, aquatic crustaceans

A team of scientists has imaged bacterial symbionts inside the ovaries of tiny crustaceans, discovering that these bacteria manipulate host reproduction and are transmitted from mothers to offspring. This finding provides a unique model for studying endosymbiosis in an aquatic arthropod.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

How an organelle evolves

A team of biologists has found that the endosymbionts of Strigomonadinae have lost virtually all genes required for division, instead relying on a nucleus-encoded protein to control their movement. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of organelles from bacteria and could lead to the development of synthetic symbiosis.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 19, 2025

Symbiotic bacterium Rickettsia affects the reproduction of a predatory insect, an effective biological control agent for agricultural pests

A research team discovered that the Rickettsia symbiont induces cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in the mirid bug, affecting its reproductive biology. This finding has significant implications for effective pest management and highlights the importance of assessing CI frequency in wild populations.

SourceNational Agriculture and Food Research Organization·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024
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Ocean warming intensifies viral outbreaks within corals

A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.

SourceRice University·JournalISME Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

A class of their own: New factors direct red algae chloroplast protein transport

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022
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Scientists create viable, reproducing yeast-cyanobacterial hybrids

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully engineered artificial photosynthetic life-forms through endosymbiosis between cyanobacteria and yeast. The engineered chimera can survive and reproduce under optimal conditions, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

This little amoeba committed grand theft

Researchers have solved the mystery of how Paulinella, an amoeba, engulfed a bacterium and harnessed its genes for photosynthesis. The study reveals that microbial genomes can move genes between organisms according to need, and that this process allows for adaptation and evolution.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016