Articles tagged with Cyanobacteria
Researchers at UCI and Johns Hopkins discovered that microorganisms can modify minerals through a biochemical process, inspiring new biomimetic mining methods. This discovery could enable humans to build colonies on the moon and Mars using microbes to extract essential minerals.
Researchers found that ocean bacteria absorbing carbon dioxide from the air need more energy and resources when infected with viruses and facing predator attacks. This complex interaction can lead to increased carbon sequestration, a key factor in mitigating climate change.
Researchers have discovered that marine diazotrophic bacteria contribute directly to the biological carbon pump, exporting and sequestering carbon in the deep ocean. This process was previously attributed mainly to phytoplankton, but experts now understand that these microorganisms also store carbon on the seabed.
Cyanophycin synthetases, previously thought to require primers, have a hidden reaction centre that cleaves bonds between amino acids. This discovery reveals a 'Swiss army knife enzyme' capable of slow polymerization in the absence of primers.
Researchers have successfully inserted nanotubes into bacteria, allowing for the creation of
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
Researchers discover alfalfa plants can enrich Martian soil with nutrients, allowing for plant growth. Meanwhile, marine cyanobacteria effectively remove excess salt from water, enabling the production of fresh water and a foundation for future food cultivation.
Researchers have identified a regulatory network controlling zinc accumulation in marine cyanobacteria, allowing them to vary their internal zinc levels by over two orders of magnitude. This network is unique among bacteria, enabling the extraordinary capacity to accumulate zinc.
A recent study found that viral infections can significantly impact cyanobacterial populations, which produce half the world's oxygen. Researchers discovered a 2017 outbreak in the North Pacific Ocean, where Prochlorococcus populations declined by 17°C due to increased viral infection.
Researchers uncover novel enzymatic transformation for carbon-carbon bond formation, enabling efficient bioproduction of bioactive compounds. The discovery paves the way for sustainable chemistry and comprehensive development of a new class of natural products.
Researchers discovered and validated the enzymes responsible for producing guanitoxin, a potent neurotoxin associated with freshwater harmful algal blooms. The study revealed that guanitoxin-producing cyanobacteria are more prevalent than known in the US, enabling new molecular diagnostic testing to protect public health.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny 'skyscrapers' for bacteria to thrive in, increasing energy extraction from sunlight by over an order of magnitude. This approach suggests that 'biohybrid' solar energy sources could be a key component in the zero-carbon energy mix.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.
Researchers have discovered two new and unusual species of diatoms that fix nitrogen, a critical process supporting productivity in nutrient-poor open ocean waters. These diatoms harbor symbiotic cyanobacteria that convert dissolved nitrogen gas into ammonia, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.
Researchers will assess potential effects on individuals with pre-existing conditions and measure toxin levels in blood, urine, and nasal mucosa. The study aims to understand the long-term health impacts of exposure to harmful algal blooms and develop tools for measuring concentrations of toxins in the environment.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that different types of phytoplankton respond differently to warming ocean temperatures. The study suggests that their growth rates and distribution patterns will be dissimilar, resulting in significant implications for future marine communities.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects rising levels of alkaline phosphatase, forecasting phytoplankton growth and impending algal blooms. The portable system reliably detected enzyme activity using smartphone scanning apps, potentially enabling real-time field monitoring and prediction.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a bioproduction process to produce rocket fuel on Mars, reducing mission cost and generating excess clean oxygen. The bio-ISRU strategy uses cyanobacteria to convert CO2 into sugars, which are then converted by E. coli into a Martian propellant.
Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry technique to identify key protein features in cyanobacteria, enabling rapid detection of harmful species. This approach can be used to prevent blue-green algae blooms and detect toxic species, such as spirulina extracts.
German scientists developed a method to supply oxygen to tadpole brains using photosynthesizing algae injected into their bloodstream. This approach effectively revived neurons in oxygen-deprived tadpoles, showing promise for new therapies for conditions such as stroke and high-altitude environments.
A new study by MIT scientists uses a novel gene-analyzing technique to estimate that oxygenic photosynthesis first originated around 2.9 billion years ago. This evolutionary innovation allowed for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans, paving the way for life on Earth.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a method to control thylakoid membrane formation and used proteomics and microscopic imaging to characterise its stepwise maturation process. The study finds that cyanobacterial thylakoids are dynamic biological systems that can adapt rapidly to environmental changes.
Researchers elucidated the molecular structure of RcaE, a representative cyanobacterial photosensor, revealing its unique conformation and potential proton transfer route to bilin. The study provides insights into how cyanobacteria evolved diverse spectral sensitivities and contributes to the development of new photoswitches.
Researchers have discovered a new species of cyanobacteria, Anthocerotibacter panamensis, which can help study the dawn of oxygenic photosynthesis. The species lacks thylakoids and has unique carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, providing insights into the evolution of photosynthesis.
Researchers at UToledo are developing new technology for early detection and management of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. The project aims to improve water quality from source to tap using advanced monitoring sensors and nature-inspired biological treatment methods.
A national research team is calling for a more comprehensive understanding of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms by studying the organisms that live at the bottom of lakes. This could help predict how climate change affects bloom frequency, intensity, and duration.
Scientists have unraveled the evolution of photosynthetic algae by reconstructing a key protein that captures sunlight. The discovery sheds light on how these single-celled organisms thrived in inhospitable conditions, paving the way for modern plants and photosynthetic organisms.
An international investigation has confirmed that a lethal cyanobacteria toxin is killing bald eagles and other wildlife in Arkansas lakes. The toxin, known as aetokthonotoxin, is produced by the invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata and causes neurological disease in affected animals.
A toxic cyanobacterial neurotoxin, aetokthonotoxin, causes vacuolar myelinopathy (VM) in bald eagles and their prey, linked to invasive aquatic plants. The toxin is produced when herbicides containing bromine stimulate its formation on plant leaves.
A new cyanobacterial neurotoxin called aetokthonotoxin has been identified as the cause of vacuolar myelinopathy in waterbirds and raptors, with exposure to bromide-enriched invasive water plants playing a key role. Bioaccumulation of the toxin affects not only the birds that eat the contaminated plants but also their predators.
Scientists have successfully grown cyanobacteria using Martian gases and regolith, a breakthrough that could make long-term missions to Mars sustainable. This discovery uses Anabaena cyanobacteria as a model organism, demonstrating their ability to thrive in low-pressure environments.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein NblD in cyanobacteria that plays a crucial role in recycling nutrients during photosynthesis. The discovery highlights the importance of studying small genes and proteins, which were previously overlooked.
A rapid extraction method for phycocyanobilin, a natural blue chromophore in cyanobacteria, has been developed. This method uses high-temperature and high-pressure conditions to extract PCB from cyanobacterial cells, enabling the use of ethanol as a solvent.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder discovered a link between ancient cyanobacteria and the Great Oxygenation Event. The study suggests that these single-celled organisms played a crucial role in transforming the planet's chemistry, producing oxygen gas that paved the way for life on Earth.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have unveiled the core structure of cyanobacteria's light-harvesting antenna, revealing key features that collect energy and block excess light absorption. The study provides insights into future energy applications and helps explain how living organisms maximize photosynthetic efficiency.
Researchers have developed an artificial cyanobacterial biofilm that can sustainably produce green ethylene for up to 40 days. The biofilm's design limits cell growth, promoting efficient light utilization and biomass allocation towards ethylene biosynthesis.
A study published by FSU researchers found that coral reef mats are composed of diverse microbial communities, including cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological role of these mats and how to protect reef ecosystems.
Researchers at TU Graz have successfully increased the catalytic performance of cyanobacteria by redirecting photosynthetic electron flow to desired reactions. This method reduces energy consumption and enhances biotechnological production, paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.
Researchers analyze dried cyanobacteria wafers from Lake Chad for toxins, finding safety concerns but also nutritional benefits. Dihe cakes are a rich source of dietary amino acids and may help undernourished villagers.
Cyanobacteria construct organelles to convert CO2 into sugar through a complex process involving Rubisco enzymes and chaperone proteins. A recent study reveals the crucial role of Raf1 protein in assembling Rubisco complexes, improving carboxysome function.
A team of scientists investigated the structure and function of a key protein called IsiA in cyanobacteria. They found that IsiA acts as an energy harvester and donor, transferring captured energy to the trimeric core of PSI. The study provides important insights into photosynthetic energy transfer mechanisms.
Scientists at KIT have successfully introduced genetic information into a multicellular cyanobacterium, Phormidium lacuna, using natural transformation. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for basic research and biotechnical applications, including the synthesis of biofuels like ethanol and hydrogen.
Researchers found that parasitic fungi infect cyanobacteria, reducing their growth and making them easier prey for small organisms. The fungi also serve as a food supplement for zooplankton, connecting different levels of aquatic food webs.
Researchers have created a two-component bioelectrode using biological components from nature, improving the efficiency of sunlight conversion into electrical energy. The new design enables the use of twice as many photons within the green gap, compared to previous systems.
Researchers from Waseda University found damped, low-amplitude circadian oscillations in cyanobacteria lacking KaiA, challenging previous studies. The findings suggest the circadian clock may have evolved gradually from these oscillations.
A study reveals that cyanobacteria and tardigrades are widely distributed in freshwater lakes in Antarctica, with specific eukaryotic algae dominating certain sites. This research contributes to understanding adaptation mechanisms of microorganisms to extreme physical stresses in Antarctica.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the nature of rock they occupy by extracting water, causing a phase transformation. This finding has implications for life support systems and biomanufacturing in extreme environments.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the rock's nature by extracting water, causing a phase transformation from gypsum to anhydrite. The organisms use organic acids to penetrate the rock and access water, revealing an innovative survival strategy.
Researchers at University of California San Diego discovered that internal circadian clocks regulate DNA uptake in cyanobacteria, increasing its efficiency during nighttime hours. This finding highlights the crucial role of synchronizing biological processes with environmental rhythms for human health and disease prevention.
Researchers discovered that when cyanobacteria cells become too crowded, they shut down photosynthesis as a defense mechanism. This phenomenon allows the cells to slow down growth and avoid rupture, providing insights into how organisms regulate this essential process.
A Kobe University research team developed a method to produce high rates of D-lactate using cyanobacteria, which could lead to the creation of biodegradable plastics. The team used genetic engineering and dynamic metabolomics to optimize D-lactate production, achieving a rate of 26.6g/L from CO2 and light.
Cyanobacteria, previously thought to lack oil production ability, can now produce oil from water and carbon dioxide with light. This discovery opens up possibilities for producing animal feed or biofuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent review article reveals that marine cyanobacteria, such as Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, can thrive on organic compounds from their environment. These findings are crucial for understanding cycles of essential elements like carbon, iron, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Researchers have solved the structure of a protein complex that enables cyanobacteria to convert weak sunlight into usable energy, giving them an adaptive advantage over other organisms. The discovery could lead to the development of crops that thrive under low-light conditions, increasing crop yields and sustainability.
A research team has found that Cyanobacteria produce relevant amounts of methane in oceans, inland waters, and on land. This discovery refutes the traditional assumption that methane generation occurs only under anoxic conditions by microbes of the domain Archaea.
University of Colorado Boulder researchers have created a new approach to designing sustainable buildings using bacteria. The team developed bricks that can heal themselves, remove carbon dioxide from the air, and reproduce, offering a lower-carbon alternative to traditional materials.
Researchers have developed a method to produce astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, in a faster and more efficient way than previous methods. The new process uses the fast-growing marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 as a host and requires only water, light, and CO2 to produce the valuable substance.
Cyanobacteria and plants use similar mechanisms to regulate cyclic electron flow during photosynthesis, according to LMU biologists Marcel Dann and Dario Leister. Two proteins, PGRL1 and PGR5, mediate control of CEF in plants.
A team of scientists will develop high-tech tools to explore cyanobacteria in lakes across the East Coast. The project combines big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics with new techniques for lake sampling to understand where and how cyanobacterial blooms develop.