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Wild tomatoes resist devastating bacterial canker

Cornell University researchers found that wild tomato varieties are less affected by bacterial canker, with the pathogen remaining confined to specific xylem vessels. The team's study confirms that wild tomatoes are susceptible to bacterial canker, but with less severe symptoms than cultivated varieties.

The skin of the earth is home to pac-man-like protists

Researchers discovered that most soil protists consume smaller organisms, while others thrive in tropical soils and are affected by annual precipitation. The study provides new insights into the ecological roles of these single-celled organisms in ecosystems worldwide.

TB bacteria survive in amoebae found in soil

Scientists discovered that Mycobacterium bovis can survive and grow in small amoebae organisms found in soil and dung. The bacterium adapts to ambient temperatures and remains metabolically active, potentially explaining high transmission rates between animals.

Hard as a rock? Maybe not, say bacteria that help form soil

Researchers discovered that bacteria can degrade solid bedrock by oxidizing iron and extracting energy from it. The study found that these microorganisms use proteins on their outer surface to move electrons, allowing them to 'munch' rocks without taking minerals into their cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Coated seeds may enable agriculture on marginal lands

Researchers have developed coated seeds that can grow in salty soils by providing a protective coating and fertilizer-generating microbes. These seeds showed improved health and growth compared to untreated seeds in unproductive soil fields.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Microbe chews through PFAS and other tough contaminants

A soil bacterium, Acidimicrobium A6, has shown promise in breaking down difficult-to-remove pollutants like PFAS. After 100 days of observation, the bacteria removed 60% of PFAS specifically PFOA and PFOS in lab vials, demonstrating a potential solution for environmental remediation.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Natural environments favor 'good' bacteria

A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.

Sussex mathematician's breakthrough on non-toxic pest control

A University of Sussex mathematician has developed a chemical-free way to target parasitic nematode worms that destroy wheat crops. The breakthrough method uses biostimulants derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria to precisely kill the nematodes without harming other insects.

Antimicrobial paints have a blind spot

Researchers tested spore-forming bacteria on antimicrobial paint surfaces and found that most died, but a few strains, like Bacillus timonensis, survived. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these paints and potential risks to human health.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

FIU scientists discover new arsenic-based broad-spectrum antibiotic

Researchers at Florida International University have discovered a new broad-spectrum antibiotic, arsinothricin, which is the first natural product containing arsenic to be found effective against various bacteria. The compound has shown promise in treating infections caused by E. coli and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae.

Methane-oxidizing soil bacteria culture

Researchers successfully isolated a strain of methane-oxidizing soil bacteria that can grow in air and oxidize methane at atmospheric concentrations. The strain also exhibits metabolic flexibility, allowing it to metabolize multiple gases including CO2, N2, O2, CO, and H2.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Bacterial nanowire mystery solved

Geobacter bacteria project metal-containing heme filaments called nanowires to dispose of excess electrons in oxygen-free environments. This discovery solves the mystery of how nanowires facilitate environmental cleanup and potential applications for building new materials and sensors.

Caterpillars retrieve 'voicemail' by eating soil

Researchers found that caterpillars ingest soil and retain a microbiome similar to the soil itself, allowing them to access 'voicemails' left behind by plants. This discovery sheds light on the impact of soil legacy on insect health and has potential applications for agriculture.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Swimming microbes steer themselves into mathematical order

Researchers found that tiny swimmers can form large flocks swimming in the same direction, resulting in huge effects and unexpected behavior. The movement of microorganisms is crucial to research in materials science, engineering, and biochemistry.

New technique pinpoints milestones in the evolution of bacteria

Researchers use genetic analysis to determine when certain groups of bacteria evolved, providing insight into early environments and animal life. They found that three major groups of soil bacteria diversified around 450-350 million years ago, likely in response to changes in the environment.

Microbial manufacturing

A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.

Microbes hitched to insects provide a rich source of new antibiotics

Researchers found that insect-borne microbes often outperformed soil bacteria in stopping antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA. A new antibiotic, cyphomycin, was discovered from a Brazilian fungus-farming ant and showed effective antimicrobial action without toxic side effects.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Searching in soil, scientists find a new way to combat tuberculosis

Researchers found kanglemycins, a group of natural antibiotics similar to rifamycin, which can target mutated RNAPs. These antibiotics may have emerged as a result of evolutionary pressures in nature, providing a potential solution to the rising problem of antibiotic resistance.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Commandeering microbes pave way for synthetic biology in military environments

A team of scientists from the US Army Research Laboratory and MIT have developed a novel synthetic biology tool that delivers DNA programming into a broad range of bacteria. The XPORT bacterium enables precise and controlled transfer of DNA to various microorganisms, opening up new possibilities for military applications.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

From farm to fridge: Milk carton 'sell-by' dates may become more precise

A new predictive model by Cornell University researchers aims to reduce food waste and spoilage by making 'sell-by' dates on milk cartons more precise. The model shows that refrigerated milk at lower temperatures significantly reduces the presence of spore-forming bacteria, leading to improved shelf life.

Understanding soil through its microbiome

The first global survey of soil genomics found a constant competition between bacteria and fungi for nutrients, leading to the production of antibiotics. The study's results have implications for predicting the impact of climate change on soil and improving agricultural practices.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genetic soil prospecting yields wealth of potential antibiotics

Researchers sequenced the genomes of every microbe in a teaspoon of soil and found hundreds of complex molecules with potential antibiotic or antifungal activity. The discovery is significant as disease-causing bacteria become increasingly resistant to current drugs.

Bacteria's appetite may be key to cleaning up antibiotic contamination

Scientists have discovered key steps in how bacteria eat antibiotics, transforming them into food. The findings could lead to new ways to eliminate antibiotics from land and water, slowing the spread of drug resistance. Researchers may engineer bacteria like E. coli to clean up contaminated soil and water.

The microbiome of a native plant is much more resilient than expected

A team of scientists discovered that the microbiome of a native plant, Nicotiana attenuata, is more resilient than expected. The study shows that different strains of bacteria within the soil microbiota can form partnerships with the plant and resist antimicrobial peptides, defying previous assumptions about their impact.

Sensor strategy a boon for synthetic biology

Rice University scientists introduce a new technique to fine-tune two-component biological sensors, enabling tailor-made biosensors for diagnostic gut bacteria and environmental pollutant detection. The approach uses phosphatase activity to alter the sensitivity of these pathways, promising a major breakthrough in synthetic biology.

Researchers study fundamental interactions in soil communities

The research team aims to understand how bacteria and fungi interact in soils, which could lead to advances in plant productivity and bioenergy. By studying these fundamental interactions, they hope to develop predictive models of ecosystem behavior and inform strategies for manipulating microbial communities.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Glaciers provide clues to combat desertification

Researchers analyzed bacterial content of Svalbard glacier soil, revealing microbes trigger soil formation under extreme conditions. The study provides clues for combating desertification in hot arid environments.

Evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiome revealed

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.

Bacteria under your feet

A global study reveals that only 2% of the world's bacteria species dominate soil populations, with implications for ecosystem health and climate change mitigation. The findings have important applications for agricultural soils and food productivity.

A handful of bacteria dominate the Earth's soil globally

A comprehensive study has identified just a handful of bacterial taxa that dominate the Earth's soil globally. These abundant bacteria can be grouped based on five key environmental preferences, providing new insights into their roles in regulating nutrient cycles, plant productivity, and terrestrial carbon dynamics.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Are amoebae safe harbors for plague?

Plague bacteria survive and replicate for up to 48 hours inside an amoeba, replicating and thriving in a way most bacteria do not. The discovery sheds new light on the persistence of plague outbreaks, which can smolder for years before re-emerging with a vengeance.

Real world native biocrusts: Microbial metabolism

Researchers studied native biocrusts, discovering that specific compounds are transformed by and strongly associated with specific bacteria. The study links microbial community structure to soil chemistry, shedding light on the roles of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle.

What makes soil, soil? Researchers find hidden clues in DNA

A team of scientists analyzed data on over 1900 soils from 21 countries, discovering constant bacterial groups across different environments. These bacteria hold clues to making some soils more fertile. Informative families of bacteria indicate real differences among types of soil.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Soil microbes persist through National Mall facelift

Researchers found that the bacteria communities in the National Mall's soil did not change significantly before and after the renovation. The study highlights the importance of understanding how changes in the soil microbiome can impact plant productivity and health.

Study finds restoration at Illinois prairie is working in the soil, too

Scientists have found evidence that the soil microbiome in restored Illinois prairies is recolonizing and recovering, closely resembling those in untouched natural prairies. This discovery suggests that restoration efforts are working at a foundational level, contributing to the health of people and the planet.

Fungi awake bacteria from their slumber

Researchers at UFZ discovered that fungi increase bacterial activity in dry soils by supplying water and nutrients, enabling them to thrive. This study reveals the important role of fungi in soils, including their function as pumping stations and pipelines for water and substrates.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Decomposing leaves are surprising source of greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, led by Michigan State University, found that leaf particles create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria that produce nitrous oxide.