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Magnetic bacteria point the way

Researchers found magnetotactic bacteria living on a hydrothermal vent chimney at 2,787 meters below the ocean's surface. The discovery provides clues to the early diversification of bacteria and offers insights into the environment that may support extraterrestrial life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Researchers discover intracellular biosilicification in prokaryotes

A team of scientists has discovered a novel magnetotactic bacterium that forms intracellular amorphous silica globules. This finding suggests a previously unobserved influence on the global silicon cycle during early Earth history, expanding our knowledge of prokaryotic biosilicification.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 14, 2022
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Magnetic nanoparticles in biological vehicles individually characterized for the first time

A multidisciplinary research group uses magnetotactic bacteria to create nanomagnetic structures, which can be steered through the human body via external magnetic fields. They have developed a new method to measure the magnetic properties of individual nanomagnets in biological entities, enabling precise control over these structures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

LETI's research will help apply magnetotactic bacteria in oncology

LETI researchers identified the main properties of magnetotactic bacteria and described their application in medicine. They will help create theranostic agents in neurooncology and cardioprotection by using magnetosomes to transport drugs directly to malignant tumors.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalMagnetochemistry·DateJul 14, 2021

Animals' magnetic 'sixth' sense may come from bacteria, new paper suggests

Researchers propose a hypothesis that animals use magnetotactic bacteria in a symbiotic relationship to gain a magnetic sense, which could improve human navigation and inform ecological research. The study found evidence of magnetotactic bacteria associated with various animal species, including sea turtles, birds, and mammals.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 14, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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New tool for studying magnetic, self-propelled bacteria that resemble compass needles

Researchers have developed a simple mechanism to control the swimming direction of magnetotactic bacteria, which can provide insight into the earth's sedimentary layers and potentially be used as indicators of climate change. The new tool uses a rotating permanent magnet to generate a controlled magnetic field.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 15, 2015

Video-article shows how to purify magnetic bacteria

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a method to purify and enrich magnetotactic bacteria, which can produce magnetic nanocrystals. These bacteria are found in aquatic environments worldwide and possess unique properties that allow them to align with the Earth's magnetic field.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateNov 15, 2012

Magnetic microbe genome attracting attention for biotech research

Scientists have sequenced the genome of magnetotactic bacteria, revealing common gene clusters and a key to unlocking new technologies. The study could accelerate biotechnology and nanotechnology research with applications in electromagnetic tapes, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and cell separation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 11, 2009
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Researchers reveal mystery of bacterial magnetism

Researchers discovered that magnetotaxis, a phenomenon where bacteria align like tiny swimming compass needles, helps them detect lower oxygen concentrations more efficiently. This subtle advantage allows the bacteria to thrive in environments with limited oxygen, making their magnetic properties beneficial in nature.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 20, 2006

Magnetic misfits: South seeking bacteria in the Northern Hemisphere

Researchers found barbell-shaped bacteria in a marine pond that swim toward geomagnetic south when oxygen levels are high, contradicting the accepted model of magnetotaxis. The discovery suggests new models are needed to explain how these bacteria behave in their environment.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2006