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Study overturns 100-year-old assumption about common bacteria in the lungs

Researchers have found that Prevotella melaninogenica can survive in the presence of oxygen, challenging a long-held assumption about its obligate anaerobic nature. The study also reveals new insights into the bacteria's ability to consume oxygen and deal with oxidative stress.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateAug 13, 2026

Pigments that can do more

Researchers have elucidated the molecular composition of a pigment produced by anaerobic bacteria, revealing its role in cellulose degradation. The pigment shows mild antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2025
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Pandora’s microbes – The battle for iron in the lungs

Researchers identified two natural products, pandorabactin A and B, produced by Pandoraea bacteria to complex iron. These molecules may play a role in the survival of these pathogens in iron-poor environments.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 19, 2025

Sulfur bacteria team up to break down organic substances in the seabed

Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

Novel bacteria parasitizing archaea

Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully cultivated an ultrasmall bacterial strain that parasitizes methanogenic archaea, inhibiting their growth. This discovery represents the first successful cultivation of such bacteria and proposes a new phylum Minisyncoccota, advancing our understanding of microbial ecology.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Synthetic biology reveals the secrets of life without oxygen

Anaerobic bacteria have survived for ages in oxygen-free niches, influencing human health and environment. The 'AnoxyGen' project aims to unlock their biosynthetic potential using molecular and synthetic biology tools.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·DateJul 12, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Bacteria detected in tattoo and permanent makeup inks

Researchers have detected anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks, indicating a potential source of human infections. The study found that around 35% of tattoo or permanent makeup inks sold in the US were contaminated with bacteria, highlighting the importance of monitoring these products.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 2, 2024

Marine bacteria team up to produce a vital vitamin

Researchers discovered that two species of marine bacteria work together to produce vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and survival of many marine organisms. The bacteria release building blocks into the water, which are then combined to form the vitamin through a complex process involving viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

When it comes to bad breath, some bacterial interactions really stink

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that a specific bacterial interaction causes the production of methyl mercaptan, a major contributor to bad breath. The interaction between Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum leads to increased methyl mercaptan production, which is driven by methionine metabolism.

SourceOsaka University·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

The surprisingly resourceful ways bacteria thrive in the human gut

Research reveals bacteria in human gut use diverse enzymes to generate energy from organic compounds, producing metabolites with implications for human health. The study identifies 22 alternative metabolites used by three families of gut bacteria, showcasing their remarkable adaptability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered iron storage 'spheres' inside C. diff bacteria, which are crucial for infection and offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. The study, published in Nature, also reveals that bacteria may compartmentalize biochemical processes in a way similar to eukaryotic cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Important step toward next-generation probiotics

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

IUPUI Geology professor researches groundbreaking bacterial discovery

A team of researchers led by Dr. William Gilhooly III found that viruses are infecting sulfur bacteria, altering their genetic code and influencing their behavior in oxygen-deficient lakes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the impact of viral infections on bacterial ecosystems.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Unlocking the power of photosynthesis for clean energy production

University of Rochester researchers create a groundbreaking system mimicking photosynthesis using bacteria and nanomaterials to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The innovative approach replaces fossil fuels in the process, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Dancing in the mud: Cut cable puts an end to bacterial party

Researchers at Aarhus University discovered that cable bacteria form a dance-like connection with diverse aerobic bacteria in the anoxic seabed. The small bacteria benefit by transferring electrons to the cable bacteria, forming an electrical lifeline to oxygen.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

Gut bacteria are crucial for liver repair

A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023
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.

A step toward “living biotherapeutics”

The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 10, 2021
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.

Chemical-free cleaning of bioreactor membranes

A team of scientists at KAUST has developed a novel approach for cleaning biofouled membranes in anaerobic bioreactors, combining UV irradiation with bacteriophages to eliminate bacteria. The method improved upon individual treatments and was proven effective over four cleaning cycles.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

A globally important microbial process hidden on marine particles

Researchers demonstrate that microbial fixation of nitrogen can occur on marine snow particles, leading to low oxygen concentrations and enabling anaerobic N2 fixation. The study's model shows the depth distribution of N2 fixation in the marine water column, highlighting the importance of particle size, density, and sinking speed.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2021

In search of the first bacterium

Researchers used biochemical metabolic networks and evolutionary trees to analyze 1,089 bacterial genomes, predicting the biochemistry of LBCA. The analysis reveals that LBCA was likely rod-shaped and had the acetyl-CoA pathway for carbon fixation, similar to LUCA.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 31, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Magnetic bacteria as micropumps

Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of liquids using magnetotactic bacteria, which can be used to transport cancer drugs directly to tumors. The bacteria produce an effect similar to that of a micropump, allowing for precise control over the movement of active substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 8, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Metal-breathing bacteria could transform electronics, biosensors, and more

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a bacterium that produces materials with potential applications in electronics, electrochemical energy storage and drug-delivery devices. The study found that Shewanella oneidensis can create novel materials like molybdenum disulfide, which can transfer electrons easily.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalBiointerphases·DateJul 28, 2020

Large population study links blood infection with certain bacteria to increased risk of colorectal cancer

A large population study found a significant association between blood infections with anaerobic bacteria and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study revealed that infections with specific bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum and Bacteroides ovatus, were linked to a substantial increased risk of CRC.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2020
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.

Could dark carbon be hiding the true scale of ocean 'dead zones'?

A new study suggests that dark carbon fixation could be contributing to the growth of ocean 'dead zones', where oxygen is scarce. This means that existing models may underestimate the impact of climate change on these regions, leading to severe ecological and economic consequences.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateDec 10, 2019

From a plant sugar to toxic hydrogen sulfide

Researchers discovered a novel bacterial degradation pathway for sulfoquinovose, which produces hydrogen sulfide in the absence of oxygen. The study's findings suggest that organosulfonate substrates from vegetarian diets can also be degraded to hydrogen sulfide.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 19, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Motley crews of bacteria cleanse water at huge oceanic Georgia Aquarium exhibit

Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in the aquarium's water that break down waste and nitrates with varying efficiency. The study suggests that mixed bacterial communities may work more efficiently than single-star players, providing a backup option for optimal performance.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 23, 2018

Could bacteria fuel the future?

Researchers at the University of Delaware will study clostridium bacteria for biofuel production, aiming to create sustainable energy from renewable resources. The project seeks to demonstrate that using multiple complementary microorganisms can improve process yields and create valuable chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 5, 2018

Nitrite's got to be cruel to be kind

Researchers at Umeå University discovered that Vibrio cholerae uses nitrate respiration to control its population expansion and survival, even in the absence of oxygen. This smart metabolic mechanism allows the bacterium to thrive in the intestine's low-oxygen environment.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 1, 2018

'Spacesuits' protect microbes destined to live in space

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed protective suits for bacteria that allow them to thrive in environments without oxygen. The hybrid system mimics photosynthesis and captures carbon dioxide, producing various chemical compounds that can be used by industry or in space colonies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

Bacteria activate their own killer

Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

Conducting shell for bacteria

Scientists have successfully coated live bacteria with a conducting polymer to improve their conductivity, resulting in a 23 times smaller resistance and a fivefold increase in electricity generation. This coating scheme has the potential to revolutionize microbial fuel cell technology and wastewater treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 27, 2017

New gonorrhea treatment targets enzyme needed for respiration

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new therapy target for gonorrhea, an enzyme crucial for bacterial respiration in biofilms. A peptide that inhibits this enzyme's activity shows promise in killing the bacteria without promoting resistance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 26, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Wound-healing intestinal bacteria: Like shrubs after a forest fire

A study published in Nature Microbiology found that Akkermansia muciniphila and other anaerobic bacteria temporarily bloom in response to injury, contributing to wound healing. The researchers suggest exploiting these microbes as treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2016

New insights into why adolescents carry meningitis-causing bacteria

University of York scientists have discovered a novel metabolic pathway in Neisseria meningitidis that explains why this age group is particularly at risk of infection. The bacteria can supplement its growth via metabolism of propionic acid, generated by anaerobic bacteria becoming more prevalent in adolescents.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2014

Scientific breakthrough reveals how vitamin B12 is made

Researchers at the University of Kent have successfully identified the anaerobic pathway for producing vitamin B12 in bacteria. This discovery paves the way for increased production of the essential nutrient, which is used to treat pernicious anemia and other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

American Society for Microbiology honors Caroline S. Harwood

Harwood's discovery of the genes and enzymes involved in lignin degradation has major implications for environmental pollution and carbon cycling. Her work on light-driven nitrogenase processes also holds promise for sustainable energy production.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 4, 2010

Circumcision associated with significant changes in bacteria

A study published by The Translational Genomics Research Institute found that circumcision significantly alters the bacterial communities of the penis, reducing anaerobic bacteria and increasing aerobic bacteria. This change may contribute to lower HIV risk and protection against bacterial vaginosis in women.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 5, 2010
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.

Two bacteria better than one in cellulose-fed fuel cell

A team of Penn State researchers successfully created a microbial fuel cell that consumes cellulose and produces electricity by pairing two types of bacteria. The fuel cell achieves a maximum power density of 150 milliwatts per square meter, which is lower than current designs but shows promise for future improvements.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 27, 2007

Bacterium could treat PCBs without the need for dredging

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a bacterium that can dechlorinate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in situ, eliminating the need for dredging. The Dehalococcoides bacteria thrive on PCBs, replacing chlorines with hydrogen to initiate degradation.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2007

Researchers are studying photodynamic therapy

Researchers investigated anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in a study on photodynamic therapy. The photosensitizers were able to completely suppress the anaerobic key pathogens, but facultative anaerobic bacteria tested responded less effectively to PDT.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateNov 11, 2004
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.

Researchers find unusual protein in bacterium

Scientists have identified an unusual protein in anaerobic bacteria that senses oxygen and causes the bacteria to swim away from it. The protein could lead to the development of new antibiotics and provide insight into the evolution of life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateMay 3, 2000

Bacteria That Disable Sperm

Researchers have discovered that certain bacteria can prevent sperm from swimming well enough to reach an egg, affecting fertility. Infertile men with asymptomatic infections may benefit from broad-spectrum antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria before attempting IVF.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateOct 14, 1998

Crossing Bacterial/Archaeal Boundaries

A study has found that methylotrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea share common central carbon metabolism pathways involving C1 transfer reactions. These findings have implications for understanding the evolutionary history of these pathways in all organisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 1998
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.