Articles tagged with Microorganisms
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Scientists have discovered that humpback whales retain tooth germs until late in gestation, a surprising finding that sheds new light on the evolutionary transformation of these marine mammals. This discovery was made possible by advanced CT scanning technology and provides valuable insights into the development of whale anatomy.
Yale researchers used Google's algorithm to understand how information is transferred between enzyme sites, identifying crucial amino acids. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides, combining data science with molecular dynamics simulations and NMR spectroscopy.
Researchers find that varying distances of microbial interactions affect community organization. Longer distances favor diffusible toxic molecules, while close-range interactions benefit contact-dependent devices.
Researchers at SRNL have developed an electrochemical technique to monitor microbial growth and energy levels, improving cost-effectiveness and automating bioprocesses. This technology uses electrodes to detect changes in electrical current, providing early warnings for optimal conditions.
A recent study of amber-preserved blood-sucking insects and ticks reveals that malaria-causing microorganisms date back at least 100 million years, with evidence of pathogens carried by ancient vectors found in fossilized amber from around the world.
A study of 128 mothers found that children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers had lower IgE levels, indicating a reduced risk of allergies. The effect was most pronounced between 10-18 months of age and may be due to the transfer of beneficial microbes.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that heavy rainfall in the Atacama Desert wiped out most microbe species, contradicting expectations of floral blooms. The research has implications for our understanding of microbial life on Mars and suggests that sudden water exposure can be lethal to microorganisms.
A study by UCR researcher Sydney Glassman explored how climate change affects the ability of microbes to recycle nutrients. The research found that specific microbial communities play an independent role in decomposition, and their response to climate change is not solely dependent on the environment they reside in.
Researchers in Belgium have identified an additional inoculation source for lambic beer production, the wooden casks or foeders. The microbial compositions of these surfaces differed statistically based on barrel cleaning procedures and type, reflecting different characteristics of lambic barrels.
A newly discovered toxin, Tre1, produced by bacteria, targets vital proteins in host cells, causing disease-like symptoms. The discovery provides insights into bacterial biodefense strategies and the evolution of toxins.
A recent study published in Astrobiology found that microbes and organic compounds can survive for a year in space, suggesting interplanetary migration is possible. The Tanpopo mission exposed Deinococcus aetherius to space conditions, measuring key factors like temperature and radiation.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have identified a new bacterium capable of degrading both 1,4-Dioxane and 1,1-DCE simultaneously. The microbe, Azoarcus sp. DD4 (DD4), has shown impressive efficiency in reducing levels of these toxic chemicals in contaminated groundwater samples.
A new study estimates that up to a quarter of the microbes on Earth could be uncultured and dominate nearly all environments except the human body. The research, led by Karen Lloyd, used computational power to analyze 1.5 million DNA sequences and found that as many as 30 phyla of unseen microbes exist.
Researchers have discovered that spherical particles submerged in viscous liquids travel along flexible surfaces by 'catching a wave', offering new insights into biological processes and a gentler method for measuring cell membrane elasticity. This approach also enables easy sorting of particles by size, similar to an automatic coin-so...
A new NSF-funded project will investigate how climate change impacts plant growth and health in relation to soil microbes. The study aims to understand the effects of changing moisture levels on plant survival and how plants influence microbial communities.
The study found that microbes mediate the microbial carbon pump (MCP), which takes up labile organic carbon and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The MCP's importance may increase under global warming due to changes in planktonic organisms favorable for MCP.
Scientists at University of Copenhagen find thawing permafrost releases high diversity of VOCs, harming human health and forests, but also producing clouds that may cool climate.
A study published in PLOS ONE found intricate tunnel systems inside garnet crystals from Thailand, suggesting the presence of microorganisms. The tunnels were formed by endolithic microbes, providing a rare source of iron for these organisms in nutrient-poor sediments.
Researchers at Binghamton University have created a biodegradable, paper-based battery that is more efficient and easy to produce than previous designs. The hybrid paper battery uses a combination of paper and engineered polymers to give it biodegradable properties.
A recent study suggests that rising temperatures are causing soil microbes to convert more carbon into carbon dioxide, entering the atmosphere at an increasing rate. This phenomenon is outpacing plant photosynthesis and has significant implications for the planet's carbon cycle.
A team of UCLA engineers and scientists discovered a new and potentially highly effective type of weed killer using a genomics-driven approach. The new herbicide inhibits an enzyme necessary for plant survival, providing a promising alternative to current herbicides.
Researchers found that microorganisms within Siberian plants have medicinal and antimicrobial properties, potentially leading to the development of new drugs for serious diseases. The study's authors believe these properties can also be used to stimulate plant growth or protect them from diseases.
Researchers at Penn State found that low-tech training methods, such as customized flipcharts, can improve food safety knowledge and behavior among workers in small-scale dairy farms. The training led to improved sanitation and personal hygiene practices, reducing the presence of microorganisms like E. coli.
Scientists found that microbial proteins could reduce cropland usage by 6% and nitrogen losses by 8% globally. Replacing up to 19% of animal feed with microbial proteins could lower greenhouse gas emissions by 7% by 2050.
Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.
Research shows that kitchen towels can harbor pathogens, including coliforms, Enterococcus spp., and S. aureus, which can cause food poisoning. Factors such as family composition, dietary habits, and towel usage patterns impact bacterial growth on towels.
ARS researchers found 34 E. coli isolates with resistance to antimicrobial drugs in the Upper Oconee Watershed. The presence of pathogenic strains like ST131 poses a risk of antimicrobial resistance in surface waters, but scientists assure it's not a threat to public health due to proper disinfection methods.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a tool that can accurately predict the flow rate of Arctic rivers based on bacterial abundance and composition. By analyzing microbial profiles, scientists can estimate discharge levels without deploying traditional flow meters in remote areas.
The team is using mycorrhizal fungi to stabilize soil and conserve water in restoration sites. By inoculating seedlings with native microbes, they aim to improve native plant survival and growth. The research also explores the differences between disturbed and pristine environments, informing ecological restoration efforts.
Researchers discovered that ancient microbes and modern humans share a similar molecular mechanism for respiration, adapting to changing environmental conditions. The study provides new insights into the evolution of Complex I and its potential use as a source of clean energy.
A team of researchers discovered that deep ocean aquifers can break down more refractory carbon than previously thought. Microbes in the aquifer consume carbon, changing the composition of the surrounding seawater. This finding has the potential to reshape our understanding of carbon cycling in the deep ocean.
Researchers at Tohoku University have found that microorganisms with cilia can escape from dead ends using a swimming motion. This ability enables them to survive in intricate environments where other organisms may not be able to thrive.
Ocean microbes produce at least fifty percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere while removing large amounts of carbon dioxide. The new LRAUVs can transit for over 600 miles and use their own 'eyes and ears' to detect important oceanographic events like phytoplankton blooms.
Researchers have discovered an active microbial community in the Atacama Desert's most arid zones, which becomes metabolically active following periodic moisture increases. The findings have implications for the search for life on Mars, suggesting that past conditions may have supported life that could endure hyper-arid environments.
A new review assesses the microbial degradation potential in Arctic seas, highlighting six factors challenging oil-eating microbes, including low temperatures, sea ice, and nutrient-poor environments. The research reveals that these factors can slow down biodegradation and reduce the efficiency of microbial degradation.
A recent study by Arizona State University Assistant Professor Michael Varnum suggests that humans will likely react positively to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. In three pilot studies, language analysis revealed significantly more positive emotions in coverage of past potential discoveries and participant reactions.
A Penn State research team has created a system that uses microbial reactors to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste, producing a nutritious food source for astronauts on deep-space missions. The system, which can minimize pathogen growth, uses anaerobic digestion to convert human waste into edible biomass.
A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.
Researchers at KAUST and TUM have successfully identified and characterized an enzyme from a brine pool in the Red Sea, which shows promising characteristics for commercial use. The study uses single-amplified genomes to produce proteins and provides a roadmap for mining molecular riches of extreme environments.
Researchers use a new method called magic pools to study hundreds of transposon systems in parallel, speeding up the process of identifying functional transposons. This approach enables scientists to test multiple genetic variants simultaneously, reducing the trial and error process and accelerating the development of new genetic tools.
A recent study from Linköping University reveals that the supply of fresh organic compounds increases chlorination in soils, potentially changing our view on chlorine's significance. The discovery highlights new ecological functions of chloride and its potential impact on risk models for radioactive waste.
Scientists from UCLA and University of Wisconsin-Madison analyze ancient fossils, discovering primitive photosynthesizers, methane producers, and consumers. The findings suggest that life in the universe is widespread and not difficult to form.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify BigH1 histone as crucial for male fertility and sex cell differentiation, promoting reproductive health. The study provides new insights into the role of histones in regulating gene expression and understanding infertility.
A UMass Amherst team discovers electrically conducting filaments in several microbe species, greatly broadening the research field. The discovery reveals that some larger pilins can also yield e-pili, and the ability to express e-pili has arisen independently multiple times.
A study found that plants prioritize flower protection over leaf defense and increase hormone concentrations in flowers to deter attackers. Dual attacks by caterpillars and bacteria leave plants more vulnerable to aphid attacks.
A €2 million European Research Council grant has been awarded to NIOZ scientist Helge Niemann to investigate microbial breakdown of plastics in the ocean. Microbes may utilize plastics as carbon substrates, but key factors controlling degradation are largely unknown.
Three new studies have identified key proteins in microbes found in extremely salty environments, enabling them to survive in cold, dry conditions. These findings have applications in green biotechnology and could lead to the removal of toxic contaminants like perchlorate from groundwater.
New species of microbes named Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti are found in termites' guts and have long flagella resembling Geddy Lee's hair. The microbes also exhibit rhythmic movements, prompting researchers to name them after Rush musicians.
A RUDN University researcher found that plant root secretions stimulate microbial activity, leading to faster decomposition of organic matter and increased nutrient availability for plants. This has significant implications for long-term carbon accumulation and soil fertility in paddy soils.
Researchers discovered a four-phase pattern in soil organic matter decay and carbon dioxide flows to the atmosphere due to soil warming. This pattern has significant implications for global warming, as it suggests that microbial communities are adapting to changing conditions by evolving new enzymes to process reduced carbon.
A combination of biosolids, zinc, and limestone effectively lowers cadmium levels in spinach to non-toxic levels. This innovative approach aims to protect local producers and consumers by growing safe and profitable crops.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have engineered designer biosensors that can detect antibiotic molecules of interest produced by microbes such as E. coli. The biosensors use a naturally occurring molecular switch to detect the presence of macrolide antibiotics, enabling the screening of millions of different strains qu...
Researchers use digital holographic microscopy to detect microorganisms and evidence of life in Enceladus water plumes. A universal biosignature is also proposed to detect biological systems on ocean worlds like Enceladus.
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 from the University of Vienna have challenged a 150-year-old hypothesis on the evolutionary origin of the gut by studying sea anemones. Contrary to previous beliefs, digestive enzyme- and insulin-producing gland cells do not develop from endoderm but from the ectodermal part of the mouth in sea anemones.
A new study reveals that methane-eating microbes in Antarctica's subglacial Whillans Lake can consume nearly all released methane, potentially reducing its impact on the atmosphere. This process could have significant climatic implications and may play a critical role in mitigating the effects of melting Antarctic ice sheets.
A $90 billion global problem in the oil industry may be solved by reducing environmental harm through a new process called biosouring. Researchers are developing a technology called GeoBioCell to track interactions between water, rock, microbes, and oil in controlled environments.
Researchers warn of harm to beneficial microbes and ecosystems from antibiotic runoff into natural systems, calling for improved wastewater treatment and responsible use. The review article explores commonly used antibiotics' impact on microbes essential to a healthy environment.
A technique called digital holographic microscopy, which uses lasers to record 3-D images, may be used to spot extraterrestrial microbes on Enceladus. The method could help identify living cells by analyzing motion and chemical composition.
A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) incorrectly linked Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a highly effective biopesticide, to diarrhoea in humans. However, Dr Ben Raymond of the University of Exeter disputes these findings, citing recent evidence that supports Bt bacteria as "very safe for humans".