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.
A Danish-led study found that microbes in Greenland's ice sheet can resist and degrade globally-emitted pollutants like mercury, lead, and PAHs. The research highlights the need for more attention to the release of anthropogenic contaminants as climate change melts the ice sheets.
A team of scientists discovered a microorganism in Yellowstone that thrives on low-energy sources despite having access to richer alternatives. The organism can obtain energy by combining hydrogen with sulfur or iron, but grows best on the lowest energy supply.
A research team at Berkeley Lab identified principal oil-degrading bacteria and their mechanisms for degrading crude oil components. They also discovered a new bacterium, Bermanella macondoprimitus, which plays a crucial role in oil degradation.
Scientists have found that random diversification and extinction of cells can organize bacteria into taxonomic units as effectively as traditional ecological forces. This discovery challenges current models of microbial classification, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of the task.
A research team from China University of Geosciences and Lomonosov Moscow State University studied the impact of wildfire on testate amoebae. They found that fire led to significant changes in the structure of testate amoeba communities, with some microorganisms surviving while others died.
A new rapid molecular test for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections allowed doctors and pharmacists to start targeted therapy sooner, leading to shorter hospital stays and lower readmission rates. This approach also resulted in a reduction of antibiotic usage.
Researchers found that up to 89% of uranium in Wyoming's roll front deposits is non-crystalline and bound to organic matter, contradicting conventional wisdom. This biogenic uranium has implications for environmental remediation and mining practices.
A team led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has discovered a novel microbial process that can break down toxic methylmercury in the environment. This process could reduce mercury toxicity levels and support health and risk assessments, particularly in fish consumption.
A Rutgers University study published in Journal of Food Protection found that washing hands with cool water is just as effective as using hot water in removing harmful bacteria. The study's findings suggest that comfortable or warm water should be used instead of requiring a specific temperature for handwashing.
Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.
A UK research team found Campylobacter on nearly half of the boots worn by volunteer walkers in countryside areas, with prevalence varying by region and season. The study used a novel method to assess human/pathogen interactions, providing insights into potential routes of infection.
A new Stanford study found that microbes sometimes fail to break down all plant and animal matter, leaving behind buried organic carbon. This preserved carbon can seep into nearby oxygen-rich waterways, where it's consumed by microbes, contributing to greenhouse gas production.
A new study from the University of Georgia finds that increasing water temperatures are responsible for the accumulation of nitrite in marine environments, disrupting ocean food webs. Nitrite can alter single-celled plants, affecting animals that feed on them, and lead to toxic algal blooms.
Cornell University scientists discovered a high-definition system allowing electrons to travel through soil more efficiently than previously thought. Biochar amendments facilitate this process, promoting conductive networks and growth.
Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the biological 'Gatling gun' of dinoflagellates, a type of planktonic microbe. These microscopic organisms have developed sophisticated defensive mechanisms, including harpoon-like structures and projectile-firing organs that resemble a Gatling gun.
Researchers found Arctic soils are sensitive to climate change, with warming temperatures increasing microbial growth and respiration rates. This may lead to enhanced CO2 emissions and increased nutrient availability, potentially altering the delicate ecosystem.
A recent study published in Phytobiomes found that the use of cereal rye as a cover crop can lead to elevated disease risk in corn. Researchers isolated and characterized oomycetes, including Pythium species, which were associated with cereal rye roots and passed on to corn seedlings.
Researchers have sequenced genomes of microorganisms in Aarhus Bay's subsurface seabed, showing they grow in slow motion with generation times up to 100 years. The extreme environment leads to low adaptability and minimal energy availability.
Scientists have found that vitamin B12 controls 41 different proteins in a bacterium, regulating folate, ubiquinone, and methionine metabolism. This discovery highlights the importance of B12 in shaping microbial communities and their impact on human health.
A team of scientists has redefined the activation mechanism of the complement protein C1, a crucial part of the innate immune system. The study reveals that C1 is activated when two proteins are in close proximity, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a 'green' conducting material using microbial nanowires, which can be mass-produced at room temperature from inexpensive renewable feedstocks. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of novel electronic devices and sensors with environmentally friendly technology.
A new study reveals how Roseobacter bacteria claim heme from algal cells, recycling iron into the marine food web. This process keeps iron near the surface, influencing plankton growth and ocean nutrient cycles.
University of Utah researchers explore the connection between gut microbes and birds' unique breathing patterns. The team found that diverse gut microbes play a critical role in allowing herbivorous woodrats to process naturally occurring toxins, with promising implications for human health and animal husbandry.
Specific Technologies has developed a new paradigm for quantitative determination of antibiotic efficacy with minimal sample preparation and at a low cost. The SpeciFAST system offers phenotypic MIC matching CLSI gold standard results in most cases within 3 hours from positive blood culture.
Researchers have successfully elucidated the crystal structure of PHA synthase, a key enzyme in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates. This breakthrough enables the development of tailor-made biodegradable polymers that could potentially replace environmentally unfriendly petroleum-based products.
Microorganisms like fungi and bacteria produce volatile compounds that boost plant growth, flowering, and reserve substance accumulation. This discovery could lead to eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals.
A study by CSIC researchers has discovered that volatile biostimulant compounds emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms boost plant growth and flowering. The findings could lead to sustainable improvements in crop yields and encourage plant interactions.
New research summarizes what is known about oil in the ocean after a spill, including the impact of chemical dispersants. Investigators highlight the importance of studying extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to improve response to future oil spills.
Scientists have discovered that biosurfactants, produced by microorganisms, can effectively reduce interfacial tension and improve oil recovery. The KFU Biocontrol Lab has found proof that these biological analogues are less toxic, biodegradable, and suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers found microscopic signs of microbial activity in ancient rock formations from South Africa's Barberton greenstone belt, dated at 3.22 billion years old. The discovery suggests life took hold on land as early as 3.2 billion years ago.
Researchers found microbes consuming fracking fluid, creating new compounds that support microbial communities below ground. The study provides insight into the complex interactions among microbes and their role in shaping the planet's environment.
Recent findings from the 1976 Viking mission and ongoing research suggest that microbial life on Mars is a possibility worth exploring. The presence of water, complex organic molecules, and methane in the Martian environment support a biological explanation for the results of the Viking Labeled Release experiment.
A newly discovered bacterium divides by orienting its plane parallel to its axis and dividing asynchronously, challenging traditional cell biology theories. This unique method may provide an evolutionary advantage to the symbiont, allowing it to remain faithful to its host.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies found that no-till agriculture increases microbial biomass and enzymatic activity compared to tilled systems. Chisel plows associated with greater microbial biomass in conservation tillage systems.
Researchers create functional coatings with microorganism-resistance, self-cleaning and anti-reflecting properties. The new materials have potential for various applications, including seagoing vessels, mobile phone screens and spectacle lenses.
Researchers developed a new technique using modified strains that consume xenobiotic nutrients, allowing them to outcompete other microorganisms. This method enables mass biofuel production without the use of antibiotics, which is poised as a more sustainable energy source.
A study found that zinc carnosine can improve gut health and prevent leaky gut in athletes. The supplement, taken alone or with bovine colostrum, may help prevent heat stroke and other symptoms in active individuals.
A Harvard study monitors subway microbes to identify early warning systems for public health threats. The research found that surface type and human interaction significantly influence microbial community structure, with skin- and oral-associated microbes prevalent on poles and seats.
Scientists have identified good bacteria as vital to coral health, enabling corals to recover from bleaching caused by rising temperatures. The study highlights the importance of understanding bacterial communities on corals to ensure long-term survival.
The SpecID system combines detection and identification into a single step, offering faster answers and streamlined workflow for clinical microbiology laboratories. The $2.8M award supports the development of quality and manufacturing systems required for regulatory clearance, bridging the gap between manufacture and clinical trials.
Researchers have developed an artificial seawater medium that can successfully cultivate abundant marine microorganisms, many of which have not been genetically characterized before. This new tool may benefit genomics researchers, marine chemists and the microbial research community.
The Science Walden Pavillion at UNIST converts human waste into biodiesel and heat energy using a waterless toilet system and microbial energy production system. The project aims to establish an ecosystem that supports technology innovation and drives economic diversification.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are using synthetic biology and microorganisms to ferment methane gas into valuable nutritional supplements. The project, called PUFA, has the potential to provide an alternative source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are both sustainable and economical.
Researchers discover microbes creating tubular microtunnels in basaltic volcanic glass on Earth, expanding our understanding of subsurface microbial activity. This finding also suggests that similar features may exist on Mars, potentially near the surface, which could aid future Mars missions.
A new proteomics method has been developed to measure the carbon uptake of specific marine bacterioplankton taxa, revealing metabolic patterns and taxonomic identification. The technique uses stable isotopic probing to analyze proteins from seawater samples, providing information on substrate incorporation and enzyme activity.
Rising river waters deliver a feast of carbon to hungry microbes, triggering increased activity that could naturally boost emissions. The study suggests a link between the mixing of surface water and groundwater, leading to a decline in dissolved organic carbon and an increase in inorganic carbon.
Scientists reveal how Arctic microbes speed up glacier melting through cryoconite formation, altering ice surface albedo and creating a self-sustaining cycle. This microbial process is driving the expansion of biologically productive regions on glaciers, contributing to sea level rise.
A new technique enables rapid and accurate measurement of bacteria levels in packaged food and medical samples without physical contact. The method uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and can provide real-time analysis, reducing the risk of food poisoning and improving blood quality.
Researchers developed a microbial electrochemical cell that harnesses tomato waste to generate electric current. The process also helps purify the tomato-contaminated solid waste and associated wastewater. With an expected scale-up, the electrical output could be increased by several orders of magnitude.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover that phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, produce massive amounts of methanol in the ocean, rivaling or exceeding land-based production. This finding challenges previous thinking on oceanic methanol sources and has implications for biofuel applications.
A review of bioprospecting studies identifies biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and sustainable production methods to manufacture low-cost biosurfactants from agro-industrial waste. The study highlights the advantages of biosurfactants over chemical counterparts, including higher biodegradability and lower toxicity.
Research has isolated tyrosinase inhibitors from diverse chemical classes in both terrestrial and marine environments. Flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids have been found to exhibit potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities, with potential applications in treating skin disorders and neurodegeneration.
A study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2016 found that restoring gut bacteria to a youthful age was linked to improved stroke recovery in old mice. Researchers used fecal transplants to deliver a 'young' set of bacteria to mice with induced strokes, resulting in better recovery rates.
Researchers at UNSW Australia discovered a way to produce tenfold more methane gas from naturally occurring microbes, extending coal seam gas wells' lifespan and improving food waste use. The innovation uses synthetic dye forming needle-like crystals to boost methane-producing microbes' growth.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol consumption impairs the body's ability to keep microbes in check, leading to bacterial migration and increased risk of liver disease. Restoring natural gut antibiotics may help treat the disease.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists found phytoplankton populations double in size above natural oil seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Turbulence from rising oil and gas bubbles brings up deep-water nutrients that phytoplankton need to grow.
Researchers at DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a molecule that mimics natural vitamins in bacteria, allowing for easier tracking and measurement of nutrient use. The discovery provides insight into the inner workings of living microbes crucial to energy production and carbon cycles.
A team of researchers from McGill University failed to detect active microbial life in permafrost soil from the University Valley in Antarctica, a location thought to be similar to Martian permafrost. The study's findings suggest that even in the coldest and driest conditions on Earth, it may be difficult to find signs of life.
A study from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory-based BioEnergy Science Center finds unconventional bacteria could help boost cellulosic biofuel production efficiency. Researchers analyzed six microorganisms to solubilize switchgrass, a potential bioenergy feedstock.
Researchers at Purdue University and Tsinghua University propose a novel method to teleport the internal quantum state and center-of-mass motion state of a microorganism. This breakthrough has significant implications for potential future applications in quantum information and organism teleportation.