Volcanic microbes
Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributed to an international study that found almost 300 novel types of microbes living near a deep sea volcano. These microbes, which could be used in biotechnology, reveal new insights about their extreme underwater.....»»
Targeting seed microbes to improve seed resilience
Fonio (Digitaria exilis), a type of millet, is the oldest indigenous crop in West Africa and one of the fastest-maturing cereals. Despite its low yield, the combination of quick maturation and drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils.....»»
Microbial viruses act as secret drivers of climate change, new study finds
In a new study, scientists have discovered that viruses that infect microbes contribute to climate change by playing a key role in cycling methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through the environment......»»
Fabricated ecosystems could lead to better bioenergy crops
A greater understanding of how plants and microbes work together to store vast amounts of atmospheric carbon in the soil will help in the design of better bioenergy crops for the fight against climate change......»»
Scientists discover 18 new species of gut microbes in search for origins of antibiotic resistance
In a paper published February 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a research team describes the discovery of 18 never-before-seen species of bacteria of the Enterococcus type that contain hundreds of new genes—findings tha.....»»
Earth"s early evolution: Fresh insights from rocks formed 3.5 billion years ago
Our Earth is around 4.5 billion years old. Way back in its earliest years, vast oceans dominated. There were frequent volcanic eruptions and, because there was no free oxygen in the atmosphere, there was no ozone layer. It was a dynamic and evolving.....»»
Global warming found to increase the diversity of active soil bacteria
Warmer soils harbor a greater diversity of active microbes, according to a new study from researchers at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna......»»
A botanical Pompeii: Researchers find spectacular Australian plant fossils from 30 million years ago
The Australian continent is now geologically stable. But volcanic rocks, lava flows and a contemporary landscape dotted with extinct volcanoes show this wasn't always the case......»»
Nature"s checkup: Surveying biodiversity with environmental DNA sequencing
A thousand kilometers south of Tokyo, far into the largest ocean on Earth, lies a chain of small, volcanic islands—the Ogasawara Islands. Nature has been able to develop on its own terms here, far from both humans and the warm Kuroshio current, whi.....»»
Root microbes may be the secret to a better tasting cup of tea
You'd think the complex flavor in a quality cup of tea would depend mainly on the tea varieties used to make it. But a study appearing in the journal Current Biology shows that the making of a delicious cup of tea depends on another key ingredient: t.....»»
We"re social beings: So are the microbes in our microbiomes
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us that social interactions transmit pathogens. But do humans spread "good" bugs, too? Very much so, say a team of biologists who are probing the links between the microbiome and health......»»
Scientists identify “universal network” of microbes for decomposing flesh
Findings could help forensic scientists better determine a body's precise time of death. Enlarge / It's tough to precisely determine cause of death in a corpse. Microbes found on decomposing flesh can help. (credit: Ralf Roletsch.....»»
New study on decomposing microbes could help transform forensic science
For the first time, researchers have identified what appears to be a network of approximately 20 microbes that universally drive the decomposition of animal flesh. The findings have significant implications for the future of forensic science, includi.....»»
Icelanders race to repair damage after volcano damage
Icelanders were working Friday to get hot-water supplies fixed in thousands of houses a day after a third volcanic eruption in two months, as experts said the tremors had eased......»»
Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture
From lentils to chickpeas, and even the humble baked bean, pulses are perhaps best known as an alternative, plant-based source of protein. These plants are environmental heroes: they work together with soil microbes to "fix" nitrogen from the air, en.....»»
Volcanic eruption in Iceland subsides, though scientists warn more activity may follow.
A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland appears to have subsided, though scientists are warning that the area may experience further eruptions in the coming months......»»
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.....»»
For your processing pleasure: The sharpest pictures of Jupiter"s volcanic moon Io in a generation
NASA's Juno spacecraft has just made the closest flybys of Jupiter's moon Io that any spacecraft has carried out in more than 20 years. An instrument on this spacecraft called "JunoCam" has returned spectacular, high-resolution images—and raw data.....»»
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.....»»
On Hawaii"s Kilauea, little stresses add up
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is one of the most active in the world. Its eruption in 2018 was its largest in 200 years and among the costliest volcanic disasters in U.S. history. Devastating as it was to the Hawaiian landscape, Kilauea's eruption proved.....»»
Microfluidic environments alter microbe behaviors, opening potential for engineering their social evolution
Microbes are social beings. Much like humans, they communicate and cooperate with each other to solve problems bigger than themselves. In a microbial community, there will even be free riders and others that police them......»»