Articles tagged with Microorganisms
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".
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.