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Quest for the missing bacteria

A team of researchers led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University is searching for a unique bacterium that can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of oxygen. This bacterium has exceptional properties and could be the key to creating nitrogen-fixing plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Ancient symbiosis between animals and bacteria discovered

Marine biologists have identified a 500-million-year-old symbiotic relationship between catenulid flatworms, like Paracatenula, and Alpha-Proteobacteria. The unique Riegeria symbionts have been found to account for up to 50% of the worm's tissue and are believed to be responsible for its nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

'Natural' nitrogen-fixing bacteria protect soybeans from aphids

Researchers found that soybean plants colonized with naturally occurring rhizobia had lower aphid densities than those with commercial or artificially fertilized plants. The plants produced the same level of nitrogen regardless of the type of rhizobia used, suggesting a potential tool for protecting plants from insect herbivory.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant and Soil·DateApr 14, 2009

Evolution of root nodule symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

A new study investigates the genetics behind the symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and plants, finding evidence of specific genetic changes. The research suggests a common evolutionary origin of intracellular root symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plants such as legumes and actinorhiza.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2008