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 simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.
According to Angelicque White, an assistant professor of oceanography at Oregon State University, the 'Great Garbage Patch' is less than 1% of Texas's geographic size. The amount of plastic in the North Pacific Ocean has not increased tenfold since the 1950s, contrary to previous claims.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a new aspirin-derived molecule that reduces levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in mice. This finding suggests that the molecule could contribute to the beneficial effects of aspirin.
Researchers believe metabolic engineering could revolutionize the production of chemicals, replacing non-renewable resources with bio-based alternatives. Jay Keasling's work aims to engineer microbes to perform complex chemistry, expanding product availability and reducing costs.
Concordia University researchers have made a breakthrough in converting plant material into biofuels using engineered bacteria. By introducing structural proteins on the surface of Lactococcus lactis, scientists can create a stable surface for chemical activity, paving the way for more efficient bioprocessing and organic material break...
Research by Arizona State University's Rolf Halden found that triclosan and triclocarban persist in wastewater sludge, soils, and natural water environments, posing risks of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These chemicals are also linked to endocrine disruption and selective pressure on microorganisms, increasing the likelihood o...
Excess nitrogen in groundwater and water bodies harms aquatic life; new denitrifying bioreactors can treat agricultural runoff and urban wastewater at a lower cost. Research confirms successful operation in various settings, including agricultural fields and small townships.
Researchers found that incorporating ultraviolet light into vacuuming can reduce surface microbes by 87 percent, nearly doubling the removal of potentially infectious microorganisms from carpets. Vacuuming alone reduced microbes by 78 percent.
USDA scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind mathematical model to select optimal temperature and salt concentrations to reduce or eliminate microbial contamination in smoked salmon. The research aims to protect the pleasing flavor and texture of smoked salmon while ensuring food safety.
Researchers found microbes in the Gulf of Mexico's seafloor brine pools consume methane 10-100 times faster than previously realized. High concentrations of methane are present in these pools, which are then consumed by microbes, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas released.
Rural Cogeneration has developed a solar generator that can bring electricity to remote areas worldwide. The project uses a Rankine engine and mirrors to generate power and hot water, with plans to manufacture locally and train local maintenance personnel.
Household dust contains up to 1000 microbial species, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Studying these microorganisms is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered how a cow rumen bacterium breaks down hemicellulose into simple sugars, with implications for human health, nutrition, and biofuel production. The study provides an enzyme cocktail that can release simple sugars from plant cell walls, advancing the biofuels industry.
Scientists have successfully converted stem cells from a key immune system organ into skin stem cells without genetic modification. This breakthrough allows for potential applications in regenerating tissues and has implications for the development of new therapies.
Virginia Tech researchers investigate how the shape of crude oil remnants affects their biodegradation rate. They also explore the impact of oxygen levels and carbon leaching on microbe growth, which can accelerate or hinder the process.
A recent expedition to the Mid-Cayman Rise identified three unique types of hydrothermal vents, expanding our knowledge of extreme environments. The discovery provides insight into the origins and evolution of life on Earth and has implications for searching for life elsewhere in the universe.
A new survey method reveals a broader and more diverse array of metal-driven chemical processes in microbes than previously recognized. The research could lead to innovative biofuels and bioremediation technologies.
A new method has revealed a vast diversity of metal-containing proteins in organisms, with implications for understanding protein structure and function. The discovery is expected to lead to important breakthroughs in biological processes, disease detection, and the development of new drugs.
Researchers found that marine microorganisms are attracted to dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a chemical involved in ocean sulphur and carbon cycles. The team's study visualized microbial behavior for the first time using microfluidic technology, shedding light on the importance of these tiny organisms in climate regulation.
A new study has uncovered a mysterious area beneath the deep ocean floor, providing insights into microbial life in this extreme environment. Researchers believe that this habitat could be one of the largest biological reservoirs on Earth, holding secrets to new species and metabolism.
The NSF has awarded a rapid response grant to scientist David Valentine to understand how the use of dispersants impacts the degradation of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers will investigate the effects of surfactant compounds on the ability of microbes to naturally degrade hydrocarbon compounds found in crude oil.
Researchers link bacterial spacing to photosynthesis, providing new insights into ancient fossils and the evolution of life. By studying microbial mats, they discovered a consistent one-centimeter spacing that records the maximum distance bacteria can compete for nutrients.
A beneficial microbe called Muscodor albus may help protect fresh grapes from troublesome gray mold. Experiments have shown that M. albus can combat Botrytis cinerea, the organism that causes gray mold.
A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste is more effective at killing harmful germs in the mouth than regular fluoride toothpastes. This can help minimize cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
bbi-biotech offers a novel sampling system that extracts sterile samples from bioreactors without dead volume, ensuring representative and contamination-free samples. The bioPROBE MK1 system facilitates at-line analysis and real-time monitoring of process status, enabling immediate regulation and optimization.
A recent study examines sediments from the Chicxulub impact crater, finding evidence supporting K-T mass extinction theories. Another study investigates the formation of dikes in volcanic eruptions, shedding light on magmatic overpressure and eruption hazards.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a key protein, TRPV2, that plays a crucial role in helping macrophages capture and destroy germs. The protein helps macrophages bind to bacteria more effectively, which enables the immune system to clear infections more efficiently.
Researchers discovered that algae, specifically Karlodinium veneficum, emits toxins to stun and immobilize its prey, which could lead to new ways to slow bloom growth. By reducing nutrient load and promoting filter feeders like the Eastern oyster, blooms may be reduced.
A team of scientists has discovered that rare microbial organisms, once thought to be undetectable, dominate the ecosystem in a unique hydrothermal vent field. The study, led by William Brazelton at the University of Washington, found that microorganisms can remain rare for long periods before becoming dominant when ecosystems change.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice, rendering their offspring resistant to allergies. This protective mechanism could potentially prevent allergies in people by conditioning the developing immune system to tolerate microbes and allergens.
Researchers are using genomics to study the microbial community and determine how to create conditions for them to thrive, helping to detoxify metal toxins in wastewater. The approach relies on a diverse microbial community that provides essential nutrients to microbes like Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a wet ethanol production method that produces more gallons of ethanol and usable co-products. This process involves soaking corn kernels, resulting in higher ethanol concentrations and better quality co-products compared to conventional dry fractionation methods.
Researchers have successfully produced renewable hydrogen from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system at a Napa Valley winery. The process uses bacteria to convert organic material into electrical current and then produces hydrogen gas, which can be used as a clean energy source.
Kyoto University Professor Sakayu Shimizu received the 2009 Enzyme Engineering Award for his pioneering contributions to biotechnological tools and novel microbial reactions. His research has led to the commercialization of many biotechnological processes on a large scale.
Researchers used mixed consortia of bacteria to degrade naphthenic acids, a type of toxic compound found in crude oil and tar sands. The microbes broke down the compounds in just a few days, reducing environmental pollution from these areas.
A study by Duke University environmental engineers reveals that microbes can convert tiny mercury particles into methylmercury, a potent toxin for nerve cells, through reactions with organic matter and sulfides. This process is crucial in understanding how mercury enters the food chain and poses risks to human health.
Researchers from Caltech and JPL found evidence that ancient stromatolites were built with the help of equally ancient microorganisms, providing insight into the earliest record of life on Earth. The discovery may also provide a new avenue for exploration in the search for signs of life on Mars.
A new metagenomic approach quantifies microorganisms in environmental or medical samples, while a method for adhesive micropatterning offers a simple technique for generating patterns. These methods provide insights into microbial populations and cellular behaviors.
Researchers have identified a microbe that can digest d-n-butyl phthalate, a common pollutant found in groundwater, river water, and soil. The microbe's ability to break down phthalates could be used to treat industrial wastewater and prevent environmental pollution.
Researchers have found a novel bacterium, Herminiimonas glaciei, trapped under glacial ice in Greenland for over 120,000 years. The tiny microbe, 10-50 times smaller than E. coli, has survived in extreme conditions and may provide insights into extraterrestrial life.
Researchers have found the optimal conditions for a new microbe to degrade n-hexadecane, suggesting a more effective approach to bioremediation. The team discovered that enzymes within the microbial cell and its membrane are responsible for degradation, with neutral pH and 30 Celsius temperature being ideal conditions.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study suggests that an asteroid attack nearly 4 billion years ago may not have extinguished potential early life on Earth, but instead gave it a boost. The research indicates that microbes could have survived in subsurface habitats and flourished during the Late Heavy Bombardment.
A new method of obtaining marine microbe samples has yielded an unexpected discovery: the presence of many varieties of small RNAs, which can act as switches to regulate gene expression. This finding may allow scientists to learn on a broad scale how microbial communities respond to environmental stimuli.
Researchers from three institutions applied harpin to head lettuce prior to harvest to prevent microbial contamination. The study found that harpin improved color, reduced browning, and increased phenolic compounds, which are linked to plant chemical defenses against microbes.
Microbes adapted to manipulate sulfur and iron compounds to survive in the absence of photosynthesis. The discovery provides insights into the origins of life on Earth and offers a unique laboratory for studying life in hostile environments.
Researchers at Harvard University and Dartmouth College discovered hardy microbes living in isolation beneath an Antarctic glacier. The microbes, similar to those found in modern marine environments, have adapted to survive in extreme conditions by breathing iron and using sulfur catalysts.
Scientists at MIT and Brown University developed a microfluidic device to separate right-handed from left-handed bacteria, which can lead to safer pharmaceuticals. The discovery could also impact industries like agriculture and food production.
US Department of Homeland Security scientist Mark Nicas builds mathematical models of spittle dispersal to inform countermeasures against potential biological attacks and pandemics. His research aims to reduce the risk of infection transmission on airplanes and in other public spaces, advising people to sit at least three rows away fro...
Professor Geoffrey Gadd's research explores how microbes interact with metals and minerals, degrading ammunition and transforming pollutants. His work has significant implications for environmental biotechnology and nuclear decommissioning.
Researchers found that microbes in coastal mudflats can rapidly degrade petrochemical residues in aerobic conditions, but slower in anaerobic conditions. The study suggests using these microbes as a natural way to clean up pollution in estuaries.
The Department of Energy has awarded the University of Georgia Complex Carbohydrate Research Center a four-year, $3.1 million grant to continue supporting research on complex carbohydrates in plants and microbes. The grant renewal marks the sixth time the center has received funding since its inception in 1986.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.
Researchers created a mini-ecosystem to study marine microorganisms' behavior and found they exhibit sophisticated foraging strategies, influencing carbon flux in the oceans. This discovery may lead to better predictions of their global-scale impact on climate.
Researchers found that using gross messages in bathrooms increased handwashing among females by 26% and males by 8%. The 'gross factor' was key to sticking the message, outperforming germ or sickness-based approaches.
Researchers developed a kite-shaped model to assess the level of risk of water contamination from manure. The model identifies four factors affecting risk: accumulated microbial burden, landscape transfer potential, infrastructure, and social and economic obstacles.
Researchers found that Sharpie tips do not spread infection due to alcohol-based ink. In contrast, sterile markers with non-alcohol base ink were contaminated after 24 hours. The study suggests that reusable Sharpies can be used safely with proper cleaning and disinfection.
BioTiger has shown a 50% improvement in separation of oil from sand particles within 4 hours and a five-fold increase at 25 hours. It also reduces energy costs and environmental impact by producing chemicals for industrial uses.
Deep biosphere microbes may hold the key to recovering petroleum through complex organic reactions. Researchers at Arizona State University are studying how hot water and pressure transform organic compounds in unexpected ways.
Researchers have installed a sophisticated monitoring array near the Hanford Site to investigate uranium plume contamination. The array will enable comprehensive characterization of the subsurface and provide insights into the processes contributing to persistent groundwater contamination.
Researchers explore 'dissimilatory metal reduction' to convert selenate into less-toxic elemental selenium, with potential for recovery and reuse. The process is efficient but requires careful temperature control to minimize formation of ecotoxicological risks.