Articles tagged with Microorganisms
Researchers suggest studying well-preserved grains of space dust for potential signs of life, as they could contain fossils of microorganisms. The idea estimates that around 100,000 such grains could land on Earth every year.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have experimentally confirmed that nitrate can transport naturally occurring uranium from underground to groundwater. The study found that adding nitrate to water increased the amount of uranium carried away, implicating both nitrate and microorganisms in mobilizing the uranium.
An international research team analyzed over 400 Omnitrophota genomes, uncovering details about their biology and behavior. The study found that Omnitrophota are hyperactive with high metabolic rates, possibly as predators or parasites of other microorganisms.
Researchers explore biotechnologies that use microbes to extract rare minerals and fuels from wastewater. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing previously unused resources.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
A team of microbiologists proposes using powerful microbial technologies to reduce global and local challenges leading to conflict, including food supply security and pollution. The authors advocate for deploying these technologies to address humanitarian crises and advance Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sulfurimonas pluma, living in cold, oxygen-saturated hydrothermal plumes globally. The microorganism uses hydrogen as an energy source, contrary to previous assumptions and expanding our understanding of its ecological role.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a new method to monitor flocculation and mixing in real-time, allowing for more precise control over the process. This technique reduces energy consumption by halving the workload and improving precision.
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
Research from Imperial College London and University of Exeter reveals that cooperative microbial communities release more carbon dioxide than competitive ones, contributing significantly to climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding the impact of temperature changes on global carbon cycles.
Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.
A transnational collaboration led to the characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV), a plant disease first identified in Austria in 2018. The study revealed that PhCMoV can infect at least nine plant species, causing severe fruit symptoms on economically important crops.
A recent study found that soil microbes are releasing less CO2 in the summer due to decreased food availability, threatening their viability. However, autumn leaves mitigate this effect, but fewer dead leaves lead to a reduction in microbial biomass during the summer.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University evaluated three different MALDI-TOF MS approaches used in domestic clinical settings for the identification of molds. They compared the performance and diagnostic accuracy of the Bruker Biotyper, ASTA MicroIDSys, and Vitek MS instruments.
Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.
A new paper highlights the need for globally harmonized probiotic regulatory approaches, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic characterization. It proposes a risk-tier system based on strain history and genome analysis, recommending more extensive testing for innovative strains before marketing.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that when Ceratocystis ficicola and Fusarium kuroshium fungi are combined, fig saplings experience rapid wilting. The two fungi work together to cause more damage than either one alone, highlighting the importance of considering co-occurring microorganisms in disease control strategies.
Researchers found that lncRNA MVIH is overexpressed in cervical cancer tumors and associated with younger age, lymph node metastasis, tumor invasion depth, and squamous cell type. This suggests its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for cervical cancer.
Researchers developed a device capable of taking hundreds of times more electrochemical measurements than conventional devices, enabling the analysis of molecular mechanisms that enable microorganisms to efficiently generate electricity. The technique can also be used to analyze materials interacting with microorganisms.
Scientists have identified two-million-year-old DNA fragments in northern Greenland's Ice Age sediment, providing insights into the past ecosystem and its potential to predict climate change. The discovery has sparked hopes that it could help academics build a picture of the DNA evolution of species still in existence today.
Researchers discovered a new ancient branch of life, Provora, comprising microbial predators that nibble prey to death. These microbes, called nibblerids and nebulids, were found in marine habitats globally and differ by 170-180 nucleotides from all other living things.
Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.
Research from Aarhus University found that melting glaciers release around 10,000 microorganisms per millilitre of meltwater, leading to estimated annual releases of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon-dense microorganisms to surrounding ecosystems.
A new study reveals that microfibers in the Mediterranean Sea are home to over 2,600 bacterial species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a potentially deadly bacterium. The presence of these bacteria poses a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
A post-pandemic outbreak of a drug-resistant fungus in Brazil was linked to the misuse of medications and full ICUs. The study found that 90% of infected patients had strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins, leading to high mortality rates.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Steaming hay kills harmful microorganisms, but damages proteins making them less digestible for horses. This can lead to impaired muscle development and nutrient deficiencies, affecting growth and coat health. Horses can be enriched with protein-rich feedstuffs to mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology have deciphered the biosynthesis of benzobactins, a class of natural compounds with special biological activity. The study reveals that these compounds are widespread in diverse bacteria and could be excellent candidates for future drug therapy.
A new technique combines holographic microscopy with deep learning to follow individual microscopic organisms in the ocean. The method allows for continuous measurement and quantification of micro-zooplankton and feeding events, revealing key interactions between species.
A new study has identified a specialized and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in the ischemia/reperfusion injured brain, linked to stroke. The presence of Peroxiredoxin-1 protects against acute I/R injury, reducing microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
Researchers find that airborne chemical methyl bromide is a compelling indicator of biological activity on other planets. Its detectability increases around M dwarf stars, making it an attractive target for future missions to search for extraterrestrial life.
Researchers develop autonomous navigation strategies for microswimmers, allowing them to navigate optimally in complex environments. These strategies utilize external stimuli, such as light, to guide the microswimmers and improve their performance.
Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
Scientists have discovered several rare microorganisms, including Legendrea loyezae and Lacerus, which were previously unknown to science. The discovery expands our understanding of the tree of life and highlights the importance of microscopic life.
Researchers have isolated a new fungus, Beauveria caledonica, that can be used for biological control of banana borers and Fusarium wilt, two major threats to tropical and subtropical crops. The fungus produces a secondary compound called oosporein, which intensifies its action against the disease.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to detect intraspecies genomic diversity, or microdiversity, of uncultivated bacteria. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology and evolution, as previously overlooked variations are now being studied.
A novel method developed by Brazilian researchers can analyze bacterial samples without isolating live bacteria, making it easier to detect antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The technique was tested on 873 samples and found that 51% were sensitive to antibiotics, while 17% were resistant.
A new study by Rice University biologist Tom Miller explores the role of fungi in determining the range limits of plants in Texas. The research reveals that fungal partnerships improve drought tolerance and could potentially extend the range of grasses in response to climate change.
Researchers have genetically engineered yeast to produce vindoline and catharanthine, the precursors to vinblastine, a widely used anti-cancer drug. This breakthrough may lead to new sources of these compounds and reduce dependence on plant farming and logistics challenges.
Researchers simulated a superheated steam dishwasher, finding it kills 99% of bacteria on a plate in just 25 seconds. The technology could also effectively remove food debris with shock waves, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
A new biological sensor developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has successfully detected hidden rot in potato tubers, one of Israel's chief export industries. The sensor can detect disease before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early identification and prevention of rot and food loss.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found a unique oral microbiotic signature in the saliva of veteran soldiers with PTSD, which may help diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder objectively. The study also showed that people with PTSD exhibit the same picture of bacteria in their saliva as those who have experienced combat stres...
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A team of researchers developed a low-energy and efficient way to harvest and concentrate valuable chemicals from microalgae, which can be grown on waste materials. This membrane-based process enables continuous extraction and concentration of secreted metabolites, paving the way for large-scale bio-factories.
New research found that coinfection with influenza A virus can significantly suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lung. This effect can persist even after clearance of influenza A virus, suggesting potential factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 growth.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 surrogates can survive on meat products in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 30 days. The study used chicken, beef, pork, and salmon, as well as viruses with spikes similar to those on SARS-CoV-2.
A mouse study found significant changes in the infant gut microbiome associated with maternal oxycodone exposure. These bacterial changes are linked to alterations in metabolic pathways, suggesting a potential connection between prenatal opioid exposure and long-term health consequences.
Gut bacteria produce inositol lipids, vital for cellular processes in humans, and these substances impact the symbiosis between bacteria and their hosts. The discovery sheds light on how gut bacteria thrive in their human hosts.
A study found that indoor pollutants and human activities impact home biology and chemistry. Researchers detected diverse molecules from skin care products, food, and feces in a test home, with human-derived metabolites dominating the microbiome.
Researchers developed a scalable process for a biodegradable coating that protects against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, transportation damage, and reduces weight loss in avocados by 50%. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.
A new study published in mSystems demonstrates that a surface sampling method can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, improving environmental surveillance in public health labs.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers found that chemical pre-treatment can help microorganisms break down plastics more quickly. The process makes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen from the plastic's molecular structure more accessible for bacteria to use as food.