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Microbial manners on the high seas

A new study found that microbes in the Sargasso Sea take turns using phosphorus, a critical nutrient for growth, to avoid competition between species. This temporal resource partitioning strategy supports coexistence and efficient nutrient use in this oligotrophic region.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2025

KAIST develops eco-friendly, nylon-like plastic using microorganisms​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Efficiently and sustainably killing bacteria

A new electrocatalytic sterilization method has been introduced using copper oxide nanowires to produce highly alkaline microenvironments that efficiently kill bacteria. Most conventional disinfection methods have disadvantages such as harmful by-products and high energy consumption.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025

The chances of anything coming from Mars

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy method to detect microbial cells in ancient rocks, analogous to those found on Mars. The study strengthens Mars sample return protocols by providing a reliable way to assess the presence or absence of life in samples.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Montana State research team publishes paradigm-challenging discovery in a Yellowstone thermophile

A Montana State University research team, led by graduate student Lisa Keller, has published a groundbreaking paper on how certain bacteria thrive in extreme environments. The discovery challenges current understanding of microbial survival and sheds light on ancient lifeforms' adaptation to Earth's progressive oxygenation.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Hidden allies

Researchers found that an endophytic fungus boosts poplars' natural defenses and those induced by insect damage, altering the plant's chemical defense profile and supporting it with a self-produced defense substance. The fungus also influences interactions between insect populations living on trees.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Aston University microbiologist calls for public vigilance and urgent action on the danger of raw sewage in UK seas

Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.

SourceAston University·JournalMicrobiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2025

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

Warding off superbugs with a pinch of turmeric

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a low-cost technology using curcumin to curb bacterial resistance. The study shows that photodynamic inactivation can trigger deleterious reactions within bacteria, killing them and reducing the number of antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2025

Microbial therapy offers new hope for vitiligo patients

A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows vitiligo progression and may restore pigmentation in mice. The findings could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJan 28, 2025

Ultrasound-directed microbubbles could boost immune response against tumours, new Concordia research suggests

Concordia researchers propose a novel method using ultrasound-guided microbubbles to stimulate critical cytokine secretion in T cells, potentially re-activating them and increasing the release of proteins needed to fight cancer. The approach could complement existing treatments and improve outcomes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Diversified cropping systems boost nitrogen supply but not soil carbon, study finds

A new study has found that diversified cropping systems can increase nitrogen supply in the soil, but do not lead to increased soil carbon levels. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, used stable carbon isotopes to analyze soil core emissions and found that decomposition rates were higher in longer rotations.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Revolutionary biofilter offers breakthrough solution for emerging contaminants in wastewater

Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Gruyère cheese, or a history of the domestication of bacteria

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental, and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication. The researchers analyzed genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial strains over a 50-year period, finding low genetic diversity and high stability of traits specific to...

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

Do soil microbes affect flowers’ ability to attract bees?

Research reveals that certain soil microbes can enhance flower size, resulting in increased bee visitations, but high colonization levels may lead to smaller flowers. The study focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associations with plant roots and their impact on floral traits and pollinator interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 4, 2024

Under-ice species at risk as Arctic warms

Under-ice species in the Arctic are facing significant threats as sea ice melts at a faster rate than anywhere else on Earth. Researchers studying microbial organisms in four environments found that the under-ice mix of species was the least diverse, composed mainly of specialist plankton and microbes adapted to harsh conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2024

Hot water best for sanitizing in-shell pecans, sanitizers prevent cross-contamination

In-shell pecans are susceptible to pathogens due to soil contact with wildlife and livestock. A recent study found that hot water treatment significantly reduced Shiga toxin-producing E. coli populations on pecans, regardless of treatment time, and prevented cross-contamination.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Microbiologists join the battle against climate change

Eighteen microbiologists propose a global science-based task force to develop and implement microbiological solutions grounded in ecological knowledge. Microorganisms can capture carbon, break down pollutants, produce biofuel, and strengthen ecosystems, offering numerous potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 20, 2024

Researchers catalog the microbiome of US rivers

Researchers have cataloged the microbiome of US rivers, finding high levels of antibiotic resistance genes near wastewater treatment plants. The study also reveals that microbes play a significant role in shaping river health and can predict water quality under current and future scenarios.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

Two microbe strains can effectively degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, offering potential to treat oily wastewater - such as marine oil spills - and reduce its toxicity

Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2024

Scientists issue call to action underlining importance of microbial solutions to tackle climate crisis

Leading scientists issue a unified call to action, emphasizing the importance of deploying microbiome technologies to address climate change. The authors advocate for a global science-driven task force to expedite the implementation of these solutions, warning that inaction will exacerbate the climate crisis.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSustainable Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 11, 2024

A KAIST research team successfully produces microbial plastic to replace pet bottles​

A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Microbes in mouth reflect lifestyle choices

A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...

SourcePenn State·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 5, 2024