Articles tagged with Microbial Ecology
A research team led by David Brankovits discovered that cave-adapted organisms can thrive on methane gas and bacteria near it, raising the possibility of similar life forms existing worldwide. The study found a complex food web involving tiny organisms and large shrimp.
Researchers analyzed wheat microbiome under conventional, no-till, organic, and reduced chemical inputs management strategies, finding strong effects on microbial communities by wheat plant organ and age. The study provides foundational data for generating synthetic microbiomes to improve crop yields and disease resistance.
A new method assesses microbial community structure by quantifying protein abundance, revealing more about the role of microbes in animal and plant health, disease, and environmental processes. The technique was tested in various environments, including Rocky Mountain alkaline soda lakes and human saliva, with promising results.
A new study found that a single strain of bacteria can cause imbalance in the gut microbiota of individuals with Crohn's disease. The findings suggest that preventing this imbalance could lead to promising treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases.
A Berkeley Lab-led study discovers new types of cellulases from a microbiome, which can break down plant biomass into glucose at high temperatures. The enzymes were cultivated from a cluster of uncultivated bacteria in municipal compost, offering a scalable source for biofuel production.
Researchers identify three paradoxical dynamics: the curse of increased efficiency, where less efficient microbes thrive; and the curse of decreased inefficiency, leading to slower population growth. The study highlights complexities in engineered microbial communities and microbiomes, challenging assumptions about optimal strategies.
A novel transdisciplinary study has uncovered microbes that may one day deter major grape disease, Pierce's disease. The researchers used next-generation sequencing and modern bioinformatics tools to analyze microbial communities in grapevines, finding a link between beneficial bacteria and reduced disease severity.
The study highlights how human activities like tourism, trade, and agriculture impact microbial populations worldwide. Researchers warn of potential extinction risks for some microbes due to increased competition and spreading of antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in soil are structured by plant lineage, not environment. This discovery helps understand how invasive species succeed and affects ecosystem fitness.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in soil are primarily structured by plant lineage rather than environmental factors. The study's results suggest that invasive plants are successful due to their freedom from cultivating microbial defense mechanisms, allowing them to allocate resources for growth and reproduction.
Researchers from the University of Groningen have developed a conceptual model to describe the dynamics of microbial populations during plant biomass degradation. This model reveals different phases and stages, where distinct microbial species are crucial for breaking down plant biomass into simple sugars.
Researchers found that even small amounts of bird feces can significantly impact water quality by altering nutrient conditions and microbial communities. The study suggests that bird droppings may contribute to algal blooms, but further research is needed to fully understand the effects.
Researchers discovered that microbes in polar streams are producing organic material, potentially contributing to an underestimated 'dynamic local carbon cycle' as temperatures rise
Researchers have found that dust from the Gobi Desert is providing more phosphorus than previously thought for plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including giant sequoias. The study suggests that dust may be shaping this iconic California ecosystem and could help predict forest response to climate change.
A new genus of copepods, Eirinicaris antonioi, has been discovered in Brazil's rocky savannas, providing insights into ancient species distribution. The discovery highlights the vast amounts of undiscovered biodiversity in these ecosystems, which face significant anthropogenic threats.
Soil microbes may hold key to protecting sorghum crops from Striga, a parasitic plant that causes up to 50% yield loss in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers will map potential micro-organisms present in African soils to develop sustainable solutions.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new method to monitor soil microbes, which could boost the success of ecological restoration projects. By analyzing the DNA of bacteria in soil samples, scientists found that native plant revegetation can restore a natural state to cleared land just eight years after implementa...
Scientists have found that vitamin B12 controls 41 different proteins in a bacterium, regulating folate, ubiquinone, and methionine metabolism. This discovery highlights the importance of B12 in shaping microbial communities and their impact on human health.
Researchers at WSU have discovered a new type of cooperative photosynthesis that allows bacteria to transfer electrons, enabling anaerobic photosynthesis. This process has significant implications for engineering microbial communities for waste treatment and bioenergy production.
A team of researchers has captured the first direct observation of diplonemids, a diverse group of single-celled hunters in the ocean. These microbes are found to be abundant, diverse and hunt both bacteria and larger algae.
The DOE JGI has selected 37 projects for its 2017 Community Science Program, focusing on sustainable biofuels, plant microbiomes, and biogeochemistry. Researchers will utilize the DOE's sequencing capabilities to study key areas such as reference genomes for plants relevant to bioenergy production.
A new study reveals that corals selectively feed on specific types of bacteria, promoting their growth and influencing the surrounding microbial community. This interaction drives microbial growth and nutrient cycling, with corals releasing complex compounds to stimulate bacterial growth.
Researchers have developed a new approach to study the gut microbiome, revealing that diabetes patients and healthy individuals have similar bacterial species composition but differing metabolic activity. The study discovered that changes in gut bacteria metabolism can exacerbate type 1 diabetes by affecting vitamin levels.
Scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a highly accurate DNA-based method to detect and distinguish sources of microbial contamination in water. The new method, using the award-winning PhyloChip, was found to be more sensitive than conventional methods at assessing health risks.
Researchers propose using bacteria and archaea to monitor stored CO2 and convert it into useful products, such as ethanol and acetate. This approach could enable the detection of potential CO2 leaks and contribute to making large-scale capture and storage of CO2 feasible.
Researchers found that a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum AH1206 can establish itself in the human gut and remain there for up to 6 months. The study suggests that individualized features of the resident microbiome play a crucial role in the persistence of this strain, enabling personalized probiotic treatments.
A new study reveals that amphetamine pollution in urban streams stunts biofilm growth, changes bacterial and diatom communities, and speeds up aquatic insect emergence. The research highlights the need for innovations in wastewater management to mitigate the effects of pharmaceutical and illicit drug pollution on freshwater resources.
Professor Yiqi Luo of the University of Oklahoma has been elected as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union for his pioneering work on data assimilation and ecological forecasting. His research focuses on predicting ecosystem responses to global change, enabling ecologists to forecast future changes in ecosystem services.
Researchers created a sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (sMFC) system that can remotely investigate the physiology and ecology of electrically active microbes in submerged field sites. The device's cathode depth affected microbial community composition and energy recovery from sediments.
Researchers found universal (host-independent) dynamics for healthy individuals' gut and mouth microbiomes. Fecal microbiota transplantation therapy also relied on these shared patterns to treat C. difficile infections.
Scientists at PNNL are part of a core group advising the White House on microbiome research. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to study microorganisms' impact on climate science, food production, and human health.
A new study finds that excessive algae growth in coral reefs causes microbes to dominate the food chain, depleting oxygen and releasing harmful pathogens. This leads to a runaway feedback loop, further coral death and ecosystem collapse. The research highlights the impact of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.
A team led by Julie Huber has discovered an active microbial community in cold oceanic crust at North Pond, an isolated sediment pond on the western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The microbial community is oxygenated and heterogeneous, with distinct differences from that found in ocean bottom seawater.
A new study suggests that taking antibiotics in early childhood may disrupt the gut's microbial ecosystem and increase the risk of developing prediabetes in adolescence. The researchers found that a depletion of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcus species, was associated with higher rates of antibiotic use.
Researchers found that microbes retained many of their original traits after 17 years, despite being transplanted to new climates, suggesting they may not be as adaptable to climate change as previously thought. This study has significant implications for our understanding of the future climate and the resilience of the environment.
A comprehensive field study reveals rapid microbial response to warming in tundra ecosystems, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycling processes.
Researchers found that biodiversity facilitates processes in an ecosystem, especially under harsh environmental conditions. The team tested this hypothesis using microbial communities and demonstrated that functional redundancy varies with prevalent environmental conditions.
The Bigelow Laboratory is part of a $8 million initiative to develop molecular tools for understanding dinoflagellates' function and their impact on ocean ecosystems. The project aims to create genetic tools that will allow researchers to investigate the activities of microbial genes and provide new capabilities for scientific inquiry.
A mathematical model reveals that competition between beneficial bacteria helps maintain the stability necessary for a healthy gut. By suppressing overabundant bacteria and keeping different species apart, hosts can intervene to maintain this natural balance.
Research reveals that humans and animals host highly specialized microbial communities, differing from earlier assumptions of generalist dominance. These findings have significant implications for the structure of biodiversity in microbial ecosystems.
A team of marine researchers has discovered a three-way conflict between algae, bacteria, and vitamin B12 in the frigid waters off Antarctica. The competition for iron and vitamins has significant implications for understanding globally significant food webs of the Southern Ocean.
OU Professor Jizhong Zhou has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in environmental genomics and microbial ecology. He is being honored for developing innovative metagenomics technologies and groundbreaking discoveries about microbial systems in response to environmental change.
A seven-year study reveals that microbial communities in urban waterways can remove and neutralize organic pollutants, providing a sustainable solution for managing urban watersheds. The discovery of key chemical elements influencing the community's functions paves the way for further research and monitoring.
Researchers emphasize the need for more studies on dispersants' effects on microorganisms in marine ecosystems. Standardized methods and consistent metrics are crucial to document dispersant impacts, as existing research reveals inconsistent results.
A multi-institutional team has discovered that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can accurately identify environmental contaminants. The study, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, found that changes in microbial community structure persist long after contaminants are undetectable.
Researchers found that individual microbial communities are surprisingly unique and can be used to identify people over time. The study suggests that these microbiome 'fingerprints' could potentially expose sensitive information, but also offer new insights into human health and ecology.
Researchers found that microbial communities on shoes closely resemble those on the floor, suggesting strong transfer between the two. Cell phone microbial signatures were less stable due to rapid community turnover. The study's findings have potential applications in forensic analysis.
Research suggests that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modifies the activity of other gut bacteria, fostering a healthy immune system and promoting several species of beneficial microbes. The discovery could lead to more effective strategies for maintaining a balanced gut ecosystem.
A new microarray-based tool called VaginArray has been developed to rapidly diagnose vaginal infections and assess vaginal microbiome health. The tool uses 17 probe sets specific for representative bacterial species, including those associated with healthy and unhealthy conditions.
Researchers found daily rhythms in metabolism among microbial communities in different ocean habitats, with common photoautotrophs initiating a cascade effect. This work suggests that microbial communities behave similarly across entire ocean basins.
Karen Lloyd, a University of Tennessee professor, has been selected as a 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Ocean Sciences for her groundbreaking research on marine microbial life and geochemical cycles. Her work holds promise for understanding the physiology and ecology of marine microbial life.
Scientists studied the impact of Deepwater Horizon oil on Pensacola Municipal Beach's microbial communities, finding that generalist microbes were most successful in expanding their populations. After a year, microbial populations buried in beach sands looked similar to pre-spill levels, with some unexplained differences.
Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.
Microbial succession in restrooms begins with gut and vaginal bacteria, followed by skin and outdoor microbes. Skin and outdoor taxa comprise most of the cultured communities, suggesting restrooms are not significantly unhealthy or healthy.
The study reveals the complex relationships within a model ecosystem, with implications for protecting the environment and human health. The researchers found that Microthrix parvicella, a generalist bacterium, can adapt to various living conditions and dominate the wastewater treatment plant ecosystem.
The November issue of Frontiers in Ecology and Environment presents research on connectivity cost calculations for conservation corridors, agricultural companions that improve yields, and the consequences of growing jellyfish populations for human well-being.
Researchers are analyzing the changing populations of bugs and bacteria at crime scenes to provide crucial details such as geographical location, gender, and socioeconomic relations. The approach aims to aid investigators in solving cold cases by creating a repository of microbial community data for future reference.
A new species of microbe, Methanoflorens stordalenmirensis, has been found to control the release of methane from thawing permafrost soils, affecting global climate change predictions. The study reveals that this microbe plays a significant role in amplifying climate change by controlling greenhouse gas emissions.
MaxBin facilitates genomic analysis of uncultivated microbial populations by automatically sorting their genomes from metagenomic sequences. The software uses an expectation-maximization algorithm to classify metagenomic sequences into discrete bins representing individual microbial species.
Researchers uncover new insights into viral infections influencing SUP05 ecology and metabolic potential in oxygen-minimum zones. The study reveals viruses play a crucial role in marine microbial ecology below sunlit surface waters, with implications for ocean carbon cycling.