Collaborative team awarded $12.5 million for new NSF Biology Integration Institute
A collaborative team of 28 professors from various biology fields will integrate recent discoveries about microbial symbiosis and its impact on evolution and ecology.
Microbial Evolution
Articles tagged with Microbial Evolution
To understand the machinery of life, this scientist breaks it on purpose
Researchers used ancestral sequencing to study the translational machinery in bacteria, finding that evolution prioritizes fixing problems over completing them. The team discovered that natural selection favors mutations with the largest fitness advantage, leading to a myopic approach that neglects other cellular modules.
Pattern analysis of phylogenetic trees could reveal connections between evolution, ecology
Researchers studied patterns in phylogenetic trees to understand how evolution and ecology interact. They found that ecological processes create a fractal structure in tree topology, leading to unbalanced branching.
Scientists reveal solar system's oldest molecular fluids could hold the key to early life
Researchers used atom-probe tomography to study minerals from an asteroid over 4.5 billion years ago, discovering water precipitates that suggest the presence of sodium-rich fluids. These conditions are ideal for amino acid synthesis, potentially supporting microbial life formation as early as 4.5 billion years ago.
Experts apply microbiome research to agricultural science to increase crop yield
Scientists at Northern Arizona University are studying the impact of microbial communities in soil on agricultural crops to increase yield and efficiency. The team found that traditional approaches to crop rotation may not be effective, but advances in microbiome science can help optimize agricultural systems.
Novel communication between intestinal microbes and developing immune cells in the thymus
Research shows that gut microbes influence the development of specialized immune cells in the thymus, promoting a well-functioning immune system. The study highlights a novel communication between intestinal microbes and developing thymic cells, shaping the immune repertoire in early life.
It takes more than two to tango: Microbial communities influence animal sex and reproduction
A study reveals that microbial communities in reproductive tracts of males and females can impact fertility, behavior, and evolution. These microbiomes may also influence mate choice, sexual health, and the origin of new species.
The birds and the bats: Evolving to fly may have had big effect on gut microbiome
A study comparing 900 vertebrate species found bats' gut microbiomes resemble birds', not other mammals, suggesting flight's evolution may directly affect gut microbiomes. This paradigm shift challenges previous assumptions about animals and their microbes.
Mining metagenomics: A faster and more efficient method to compare metagenomes
A team of researchers in China has developed a new algorithm to compare metagenomes, allowing for more accurate understanding of microbiome diversity. The Dynamic Meta-Storms (DMS) algorithm compares metagenomes at the species level, considering physical and genetic details, as well as evolutionary relationships.
USC scientists show evolutionary principle in microbes of offshore Southern California
A comprehensive new study by USC marine biologists reveals a stable virus community in the ocean, with constant churning of mutants allowing them to adapt and survive. The findings support the Red Queen hypothesis, suggesting that microbes must constantly evolve to outcompete each other.
Evolving alongside other bacteria keeps hospital bug potent
A new study by the University of Exeter found that bacteria evolving alongside other microbes develop resistance to phages using an immune mechanism called CRISPR-Cas. This resistance does not reduce the bacteria's virulence, with similar effects expected in humans.
Taming the wild cheese fungus
Microbiologists discover that wild-type Penicillium molds can evolve rapidly into domesticated strains, such as Penicillium camemberti, used in cheese production. After just weeks of growth, the wild mold resembles its domesticated cousin, changing its metabolism and appearance
New research furthers understanding about what shapes human gut microbiome
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that human ecology has played a more significant role in shaping the human gut microbiome than genetic relationships. The research found that the human gut microbiome is more similar to that of Old World monkeys like baboons than apes like chimpanzees.
Fruit flies' microbiomes shape their evolution
Researchers found distinct shifts in fruit fly genomes after feeding them different bacteria, racking up significant genomic changes. The study suggests that microbial community composition drives part of how organisms evolve.
Did microbes assist life in colonizing land?
A comparative microbiome study has identified significant differences in the composition of microbial communities between aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The researchers suggest that microorganisms may have played a key role in the evolutionary transition from purely aquatic life to life on land.
Soil scientist researches nature versus nurture in microorganisms
A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.
Virus genes help determine if pea aphids get their wings
A team of researchers, led by Jennifer Brisson and Benjamin Parker, discovered genes from a densovirus that determine whether pea aphids produce winged or wingless offspring. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in insects.
How flow shapes bacterial biofilms
Researchers discover that fluid flow significantly impacts bacterial biofilm architecture, with dense formations in weak flows and sparse colonies in strong ones. This study provides insights into the role of physical principles guiding biofilm organization and its implications for bacterial physiology and evolution.
Studying the evolution of oceans -- grant
Frank O. Aylward's three-year grant will focus on computational genomics to understand evolutionary trends in prokaryotes and their roles in biogeochemical processes. The research aims to predict how microbes might respond to climate change and ocean acidification.
Meet B. fragilis, a bacterium that moves into your gut and evolves to make itself at home
Researchers analyzed B. fragilis' evolution in humans, finding 16 genes evolve within individuals, targeting pathways for fiber uptake and immune system interactions. The study also revealed differences in mutations between Western and Eastern cultures, with potential implications for probiotic choices and microbial therapies.
Study shows unusual microbes hold clues to early life
Researchers discovered a group of deep-sea microbes called Hydrothermarchaeota that thrive in extreme environments and have never been cultivated. These microbes use an unusual metabolic process to obtain energy from carbon monoxide and sulfate, which could provide insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
Corals and their microbiomes evolved together, new research shows
The study found that the microbial communities of corals' calcium carbonate skeletons showed greater richness compared to tissue and mucus microbiomes. This suggests that co-evolution between corals and their microbiomes occurred over time, with specific groups of microbes evolving together more recently.
NSF announces new awards for research to better understand Earth's biodiversity
The National Science Foundation is investing in 10 new projects to research biodiversity and its interactions with climate, land use, and invasive species. The Dimensions of Biodiversity program aims to transform how we understand life on Earth by addressing multiple dimensions of biodiversity simultaneously.
Gut microbes' role in mammals' evolution starts to become clearer
Researchers created ClaaTU, a new algorithm that groups gut microbes based on their ancestry and distribution across mammals, identifying conserved clades potentially playing roles in evolution. Western lifestyles may be linked to reduced gut microbiome diversity.
From guts to glory: The evolution of gut defense
Researchers mapped the evolutionary journey of animal guts to defend against microbial attack. They discovered that tunicates, a simple animal related to vertebrates, had an intermediate gut lining with both chitin and mucous coexisting. This finding suggests a missing link between invertebrate and mammalian gut defenses.
Why do some microbes live in your gut while others don't?
A new computational approach has identified genes that may enable microbes to colonize the human gut and survive in its harsh environment. The researchers found thousands of genes across different species that are prevalent in the gut, including those specific to this environment.
Top-performing soil microbes could be key to sustainable agriculture
Researchers found genetic variation in pea plant variants to be crucial for developing beneficial microbial partnerships, leading to improved growth. This discovery holds promise for reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Do bacteria ever go extinct? New research says yes, bigtime
A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that bacteria undergo substantial extinctions over time, with estimates suggesting between 45,000 to 95,000 bacterial lineages going extinct in the last million years alone. This contradicts widely held scientific thinking that microbe taxa rarely die off.
Diet matters less than evolutionary relationships in shaping gut microbiome
Researchers found that leaf-eating primates share few gut microbial characteristics, while closely related species have similar microbes regardless of diet. This suggests that host evolutionary relationships play a more significant role in shaping the gut microbiome than diet.
Microbes are savvy investors when contributing to the common good
In a breakthrough study, microbes have been found to act like savvy investors when contributing to the common good. They adjust their investment strategy depending on how much they have at stake, maximizing returns in groups with mostly relatives and exploiting contributions in outnumbered groups.
What's in a niche? Time to rethink microbial ecology, say researchers
Researchers are rethinking microbial ecology, arguing that niche is more important than names. Microbes have many ways to get energy, and co-exist in redundant systems. The study's findings have major implications for interpreting changes in microbial communities, predicting health, and understanding environmental perturbations.
Separated since the dinosaurs, bamboo-eating lemurs, pandas share common gut microbes
A new study finds that bamboo lemurs, giant pandas, and red pandas share 48 gut microbes in common, highlighting the importance of diet in shaping their microbial ecosystems. The researchers discovered these microbes by analyzing feces from each species and comparing them to those of closely related animals.
New gene-based model suggests, for microbes, it's not who you are but what you do
A new tool advances understanding of ocean chemistry and suggests that microbial metabolisms shape the ocean's balance. The model simulates impact on North Atlantic chemistry and predicts genes and transcription throughout the ocean.
Antarctic salt-loving microbes provide insights into evolution of viruses
Researchers found plasmids, small DNA molecules that replicate independently, in Antarctic haloarchaea microbes. These plasmids can masquerade as viruses and infect other cells, potentially evolving into protective coats for successful virus invasion.
New gene catalog of ocean microbiome reveals surprises
A new gene catalog of ocean microbes has revealed nutrient limitation as a central driver in the evolution of their genomes. The study found that microbial genomes change drastically with depth, adapting to varying levels of nitrogen availability.
Plants love microbes -- and so do farmers
A study by University of Queensland researchers has confirmed that microbial communities necessary for plant development have a significant impact on crop and plant yields. The study also found that plants' limited ability to vertically transmit microorganisms between generations is a key factor in their relationship with microbes.
Donor microbes persist 2 years after fecal transplant to treat C. difficile infection
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have made a groundbreaking discovery that fecal donor microbes can persist in recipients for months or years after a transplant to treat C. difficile infections. This is possible thanks to a novel method developed by the team to 'fingerprint' individual bacterial strains, allowing ...
Microbes evolved to colonize different parts of the human body
Researchers developed a new statistical framework to study microbial evolution using geology-inspired methods, identifying diverse bacteria adapting to various environments on the human body
Bacterium named after UQ researcher
A new marine bacterium, Fuerstia marisgermanicae, has been named in honour of UQ microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst. The discovery reflects the global scientific community's high regard for Professor Fuerst's contributions to planctomycete research.
Each animal species hosts a unique microbial community and benefits from it
A Vanderbilt University study found that each animal species has a unique microbial community that improves its health and fitness. Researchers transplanted microbiomes from closely related species into individuals, showing that digestion and survival rates were reduced when using non-native communities.
Looking to saliva to gain insight on evolution
New research on slobber shows that adaptation isn't just about creating new tools for survival. The study found repeated instructions in the MUC7 gene helped primates enhance important traits like saliva's lubricity and ability to bind microbes, suggesting evolution favors expansion of tried-and-true genetic tools.
If life can make it here, it can make it anywhere
Dirk Schulze-Makuch's research suggests that the evolution of organisms functionally similar to plants or animals on Earth will naturally follow given enough time and a suitable environment. He found that critical evolutionary adaptions such as photosynthesis and multicellularity arose multiple times in different organisms.
New appreciation for human microbiome leads to greater understanding of human health
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are using ancient DNA analysis to study the human microbiome and its impact on health. They have found that human behavior over the past 2000 years has impacted the gut microbiome, leading to disturbed microbial communities.
Modern microbial ecosystems provide window to early life on Earth
A study by a University of Miami-led team provides new insights into microbial reefs called stromatolites, which are believed to hold ancient records of early life. The research maps the growth and structure of these rare ecosystems in Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Antiperspirant alters the microbial ecosystem on your skin
Researchers found that antiperspirant and deodorant significantly influence the type and quantity of bacteria on human skin. The study revealed a drastic shift in microbial ecosystems when participants used these products.
What is the optimal dose of medication to prevent the evolution of drug resistance?
A new study suggests that the standard practice of treating infections with high doses of anti-microbe medications may not be the best way to prevent drug resistance in all cases. The researchers found that using the highest dose that is safe may be more effective than using the lowest dose that is effective in preventing drug resistance.
UCI-led study offers model to predict how microbiomes may respond to change
A UCI-led study developed a framework for predicting microbiome responses to changes, which could impact human health and ecosystem conservation. The research suggests that patterns of microbiome diversity can reveal insights into evolutionary history and help identify differences in diversity among samples.
The ecology of microbial invasions
A review article in Trends in Microbiology reveals that microbial invasions follow a general ecological pattern, with invasion phases including introduction, establishment, spread, and impact. The study found that species diversity is the best defense against invading microbes.
'Tree of life' for 2.3 million species released
The 'Tree of Life' for 2.3 million species has been released, depicting relationships among living things over time. The collaborative effort combines smaller trees from various sources, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and editable online resource.
The evolutionary link between diet and stomach acidity
Researchers found that scavengers have more acidic stomachs to filter out harmful microbes. This discovery raises questions about the human stomach's role in influencing gut microbes and its potential impact on human health.
Evolutionary trees reveal patterns of microbial diversification
Researchers have created a new microbial 'family tree' that displays sudden bursts of diversification, potentially helping understand how harmful microbes evolve. This breakthrough uses coarse-graining and Λ-coalescent models to condense short branches into larger nodes, revealing patterns of ecological processes.
Extreme makeover: Mankind's unprecedented transformation of Earth
Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.
Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, Penn biologists show
Researchers found that genetic mutations accepted by evolution are contingent upon previous mutations, making predictions of long-term evolution challenging. The study also revealed that mutations become entrenched and increasingly difficult to revert over time, supporting the idea that evolution is unpredictable and irreversible.
Researchers discover missing link in the evolution of complex cells
A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a missing link in the evolution of complex life, identifying a new group of microorganisms called Lokiarchaeota. This discovery provides insights into how complex cell types emerged from simple microbes, challenging long-standing scientific questions.
Microbes evolve faster than ocean can disperse them
A team of researchers used a neutral evolution model to simulate the distribution of marine bacteria cells. They found that microbes evolve faster than the ocean can disperse them, resulting in dynamic biogeographic patterns. This study sheds light on how ocean microbes may respond to global climate change.
IU biologists receive $6.2 million to advance research on bacterial evolution
Indiana University biologists will advance research on bacterial evolution using $6.2 million in funding from the US Army Research Office. The team will investigate how bacteria evolve in response to internal and external environments, with practical applications in human health, energy, and food production.
Fighting for survival in the gut: Unravelling the hidden variation of bacteria
Researchers studied E. coli evolution in mice guts, finding rapid emergence of advantageous mutations and large genetic variation over time. The study demonstrates complexity of gut microbiota and opens room for new strategies to fight disease by manipulating gut microbes.
Microbes swap for tiny goods in minuscule markets, researchers find
Research reveals microbes participate in complex networks of trade, swapping nutrients and resources using human-like strategies. Microbes cooperate with humans and plants, sharing economic strategies to thrive.
Division of labor in the test tube
Researchers discovered that bacteria that complement each other's nutritional needs grow faster and are more fit than solo individuals. This finding supports the widespread model of cooperation in nature.
No peak in sight for evolving bacteria
Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.