Articles tagged with Microorganisms
Researchers found that specialized bacterial populations occupy separate ecological niches during and after algal blooms, allowing them to degrade organic matter. This discovery resolves the plankton paradox by explaining how different groups of bacteria coexist in seemingly homogeneous habitats.
A new method to control a heat-loving microbe has been discovered, enabling its use as a miniature factory for producing biofuels and other materials. By inserting a gene from another organism into the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus, researchers can switch on lactate production at lower temperatures.
Scientists discovered tiny organisms thriving deep beneath a US asteroid impact site, supporting the idea that crater environments can harbor microbes. The researchers believe similar conditions exist on Mars, with drilling beneath craters potentially uncovering signs of life.
Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.
A University of Tennessee professor proposes a game-changing hypothesis that some species evolve by discarding genes rather than adding them. This idea counters the popular assumption that evolution increases complexity and highlights the importance of biological diversity in microorganisms.
Researchers found that human presence causes a substantial increase in airborne bacterial and fungal particles, with sizes affecting filtration and recirculation. The study, led by Yale University engineers, aims to improve air quality by understanding the dynamics of indoor biological aerosols.
The TARA OCEANS expedition mapped marine biodiversity across the world's oceans, understanding how microscopic organisms interact with their environment. The project aims to build a global systems biology map of these interactions, using advanced DNA sequencing and microscopy techniques.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that early-life exposure to microbes prevents asthma and colitis in mice. The study suggests that the hygiene hypothesis may be supported by a potential mechanism involving unique T cells.
A new study reveals that the Earth's early atmosphere periodically transitioned between a hydrocarbon-rich state and a haze-free environment due to microbial activity. This 'see-sawing' phenomenon had a profound impact on the climate system, with evidence suggesting a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels.
The PROMISE project aims to survey germs brought in with food and investigate their potential to cause disease. The project will pool data from throughout Europe to assess the risks posed by contaminated food of animal origin, building an extensive database of bacterial isolates.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory's Center for Nanoscale Control of Geologic CO2 have engineered bacteria to speed up the formation of solid carbonate minerals, which can permanently trap carbon dioxide. This process could help remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigate global warming.
Researchers at Oregon State University say ocean microbes are shifting in response to warming oceans, but the impact on carbon sequestration and global warming is uncertain. Microbial communities play a crucial role in pumping carbon out of the atmosphere, with nearly half of photosynthesis attributed to plankton.
Research reveals that pneumonic plague bacteria transform the lungs into a permissive environment for microbial proliferation. Without symptoms, these bacteria grow and reproduce rapidly, leading to rapid disease progression and high mortality rates. This unique ability is exclusive to Yersinia pestis.
Scientists have found microbial succession in microbes on deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where life adapts to replace extinct communities with iron and sulfur-rich environments. Researchers at USC uncovered evidence of ecological succession on dormant vents, replacing heat-dependent microbes with new species.
Researchers have discovered two types of bacteria that can survive at extremely cold temperatures, including the bottom of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers. The bacteria, Chryseobacterium and Paenisporosarcina, respire in ice at temperatures ranging from -27 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit, using acetate as an energy source.
Researchers found that fungi can transform lead into pyromorphite, a more stable mineral form, which could be useful for cleaning up lead-polluted sites. The discovery suggests that introducing fungi may be a viable treatment option for containing lead in contaminated soils.
Researchers at JBEI have developed a breakthrough in engineering systems of RNA molecules through computer-assisted design, enabling the development of new strains of E. coli that can digest switchgrass biomass and convert it into three types of transportation fuels. This technology has the potential to improve the production of advanc...
Aalto University researchers have developed a new bioprocess that uses only lignocellulose from wood biomass to produce chemicals and biofuel. This process avoids wasting any parts of the wood sugar and can be used in existing combustion engines without modifications.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University has discovered microbes that can thrive in cold, low-oxygen conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes use the oxidation of iron from olivine as their energy source, a process previously undocumented.
Researchers have found evidence of CO2 binding in brine channels within sea ice, where microorganisms thrive. This phenomenon diminishes the greenhouse effect and could inform global climate models.
A comprehensive list of 235 planthoppers from Iran has been compiled, featuring new species names and taxonomic data. The study aims to improve pest control management and encourage further research on this important group of insects.
Researchers have discovered a new way to produce biodegradable plastic PHB using microalgae. This alternative method could provide a renewable source of plastics, reducing the millions of tons of waste caused by petroleum-based plastics.
A University of Illinois study found that cleanliness of seeds is crucial in preventing foodborne pathogens in radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts. The study suggests that industry attention to seed cleanliness can help eliminate E. coli and other microorganisms during germination and sprouting.
Using autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), researchers are creating an early warning system for high-risk plant pathogens by predicting atmospheric transport barriers. This technique aims to improve crop security, disease spread, and climate change management.
Scientists have identified a unique protein in an insect gut microbe that stores iron, regulating the concentration of molecules important for plant-insect interactions. The discovery sheds light on the survival strategies of the microbe and its relationship with the host insect.
Researchers used computer models to simulate the dispersal of microorganisms in the Earth's atmosphere, finding that smaller microbes can easily travel thousands of kilometers over a year-long period. This study has significant implications for understanding microbial diversity and the potential for disease outbreaks.
A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.
Researchers found that bacterial microbes inside the oil slick degraded it at a rate five times faster than those outside, accounting for its disappearance. However, the microbes did not multiply or produce new cells despite consuming energy from respiration, leaving scientists puzzled about their fate.
A new knowledgebase, Kbase, will integrate disparate data streams on plants and microbes to facilitate question-asking about huge datasets. This will help make progress on improved ways to generate biofuels and optimize plant yields.
Soil microbes release more methane and nitrous oxide when atmospheric carbon dioxide increases, counteracting the cooling effects of plant growth. This feedback loop suggests that nature is not as efficient in slowing global warming as previously thought.
Researchers discovered a unique regulatory circuit in plants that controls their immune sensor, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat autoimmune diseases. By studying this mechanism, scientists hope to develop treatments for allergies and other ailments.
A Harvard expert investigates brown spots on King Tut's tomb walls, discovering they are not living organisms but rather dead microbes. The analysis of the spots reveals that the tomb was buried in an unusual hurry, with moisture and food providing a bountiful environment for microbial growth.
Researchers have discovered a high concentration of bacteria in the center of hailstones, indicating that airborne microorganisms may play a role in weather events. The study suggests that biological particles, such as bacteria, can act as ice nuclei, catalyzing ice formation at temperatures near -2 degrees Celsius.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Institute of Oceanography used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry to reveal multiplex microbial interactions. The technique allowed them to see competition for resources, secretion of molecules altering neighboring organisms' phenotypes.
Scientists studying hot springs in Siberia have found that exotic bacteria produce and consume carbon monoxide, a surprising twist that challenges previous theories about the evolution of Earth's atmosphere. The discovery has implications for understanding the Great Oxidation Event and the early history of our planet.
A large randomized trial found that preventive antibiotic use significantly reduces the risk of infection with highly resistant microorganisms in intensive care patients. Patients treated with selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) were 59% less likely to develop bacteraemia and 38% less likely to colonize respiratory tracts.
Researchers at University of Maryland developed a genetic 'fingerprinting' tool to track down microbial suspects. By analyzing DNA sequences and identifying unique mutations, they helped the FBI link anthrax-laden letters to a specific test tube at Fort Detrick.
Recent research from the University of Illinois found that different types of diets affect endogenous losses of fat in pigs. The study measured endogenous losses to determine true digestibility of both intact and extracted corn oil, revealing that intact fat was less digestible than extracted fat.
MIT researchers discovered that ocean currents cause elongated microbes to filter light, affecting photosynthesis and phytoplankton growth rates. This phenomenon was previously overlooked in models of light propagation, but fluid flow can change things, influencing carbon fixation and remote sensing estimates.
Canada Research Chair Barbara Sherwood Lollar's research examines the effectiveness of bioremediation technologies in cleaning up groundwater contamination. Her techniques use isotopic signatures to track clean-up progress, providing a critical framework for regulators and practitioners.
A new microscopy technique developed at MBL allows scientists to see the spatial arrangement of up to 28 differently labeled microbes in a single field of view. This technique, called CLASI-FISH, reveals the spatial structure of microbial communities and enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of microbes.
Researchers at SRNL are using patented microbes to break down chlorinated solvents in contaminated groundwater. The MicroCED mixture has shown promise in transforming lethal chlorinated ethenes into safe end products, potentially offering a cheaper alternative to energy-intensive cleanup methods.
Researchers have discovered a new group of algae, rappemonads, which thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The findings suggest that these microorganisms may be widespread globally.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.