Coaxing purple bacteria into becoming bioplastic factories
In a world overrun by petroleum-based plastics, scientists are searching for alternatives that are more sustainable, more biodegradable and far less toxic to the environment......»»
Scientists are unraveling the secrets of red and gray squirrel competition
In a first of its kind study, researchers have identified significant differences between the diversity of gut bacteria in gray squirrels compared to red squirrels which could hold the key to further understanding the ability of gray squirrels to out.....»»
A Virus Found in Wastewater Beat Back a Woman’s ‘Zombie’ Bacteria
Viruses called phages are a promising treatment option for bacterial infections when antibiotics stop working, but they have limitations......»»
Engineering a coating for disease-free produce
Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, has teamed up with horticultural science professor Luis Cisneros-Zevallos to engineer longer-lasting, bacteria-free produce......»»
Researchers directly detect interactions between viruses and their bacterial hosts in soil
Bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—are common in soil ecosystems. However, many of these phages have not been identified, and the bacteria they target are also a mystery......»»
How purple teaming enhances inter-team collaboration and effectiveness in cybersecurity
In this Help Net Security video, Andrew Costis, Chapter Lead of the Adversary Research Team at AttackIQ, discusses how purple teaming allows security teams to break down barriers between teams and increase operational effectiveness. It’s no lon.....»»
Researchers uncover a key link in legume plant-bacteria symbiosis
Legume plants have the unique ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, known as rhizobia. Legumes and rhizobia engage in symbiotic relations upon nitrogen starvation, allowing the plant to thrive without the need for externally.....»»
Cold-resistant bacteria found in the Arctic can degrade crude oil
The Arctic region is being actively developed by humans, but it negatively affects the environment. The fact is that Arctic soils, which contain little organic matter, are susceptible to the toxic effects of hydrocarbons that get there as a result of.....»»
It"s award season: Let"s celebrate microbes in movies
Usually, show business depicts viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms as one of the worst menaces to humankind. Entertainment movies influence the way audiences understand and perceive these topics. Yet, few films accurately portray the science.....»»
Creating a toolkit of yeast strains that over-produce key cellular building blocks
Microbes such as bacteria and yeast are increasingly being used to produce components of medicines, biofuels, and food. Indeed, baker's yeast, also known as brewer's yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is responsible for the fermentation process used.....»»
Testing shows some bacteria could survive under Mars conditions
An international team of radiation specialists, biologists and infectious disease experts has found four types of bacteria that are capable of surviving exposure to the hostile Mars environment. In their study, published in the journal Astrobiology,.....»»
New insights into how epilancin 15X kills bacteria
Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global threat that requires urgent attention. In a new study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, researchers have investigated how the antibiotic epilancin 15X kills bacteria......»»
How does car traffic influence airborne fungal diversity?
Microbial particles including fungi, bacteria, allergens, etc., are common natural components of air. In particular, fungi represent a large portion of the airborne microbes since they are among the most abundant, widely dispersed, and pervasive orga.....»»
A Startup Has Unlocked a Way to Make Cheap Insulin
Houston-based rBIO has invented a new process to churn out insulin at higher yields using custom-made bacteria......»»
New research shows that the arrangement of bacteria in biofilms affects their sensitivity to antibiotics
Bacteria are traditionally imagined as single-cell organisms, spread out sparsely over surfaces or suspended in liquids, but in many environments the true bacterial mode of growth is in sticky clusters called biofilms......»»
LSH genes associated with defining the shapes of stems, flowers and leaves required for N-fixing root nodules
Cambridge scientists have identified two crucial genetic factors needed to produce specialized root organs that can accommodate nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes such as peas and beans......»»
The right bacteria turn farms into carbon sinks
A company works with farmers to treat fields with bacteria that sequester carbon. Some of the microbes that make carbon sequestration work. (credit: Andes Ag, Inc) In 2022, humans emitted a staggering 36 gigatons of carb.....»»
“Can it run Doom?” (Gut bacteria edition)
Simulated 1-bit, 32x48 cellular grid runs at a blazing 0.00003 fps. Ramlan explains her bacterial grid display model and how it fits into the wider "Doom runs on everything" tradition. Here at Ars, we've covered versions of Doom run.....»»
Can it run Doom?: Gut bacteria edition
Simulated one-bit, 32x48 cellular grid runs at a blazing 0.00003 fps Ramlan explains her bacterial grid display model and how it fits into the wider "Doom runs on everything" tradition. Here at Ars, we've covered versions of Doom ru.....»»
Scientists take a close look at Australia"s soil profiles
Even the most degraded and poor quality soil can be enhanced by improving its smallest components—its fungi, archaea and bacteria microorganisms......»»
Positive associations revealed as key driver in maintaining soil biodiversity and ecological networks
In a study published in PNAS, researchers analyzed 151 ecosystems across six continents, delved into the intricate coexistence network among diverse species including bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates, and for the first time, linked biotic.....»»