Tag

Environmental Microbiology

All articles tagged with #environmental microbiology

science2 years ago

Unveiling the Hidden Microbial World in Deep Gold Mines

Scientists studying the deep subsurface biosphere have discovered a wealth of "microbial dark matter" deep within a gold mine in South Dakota. By sequencing microbial DNA from samples taken at the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory, researchers identified nearly 600 genomes from various microbial species. These organisms, often referred to as "minimalists" or "maximalists," have specialized jobs or the ability to utilize any available resource. The findings shed light on the vast and diverse world of microbial life beneath the Earth's surface and may have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.

science2 years ago

"Groundbreaking Microorganism Discovery Shakes Up Microbiology Paradigms"

A groundbreaking study has revealed a significantly higher biodiversity of environmentally relevant microorganisms than previously known, with at least 4.5 times greater diversity. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the sulfur cycle and influencing climate processes. The research also discovered a novel microorganism belonging to the acidobacteriota phylum, capable of simultaneous sulfate reduction and oxygen respiration, contradicting previous scientific understanding. This multifunctional bacterium can break down complex plant carbohydrates and represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of microbial interactions and the sulfur cycle. The findings have implications for climate-relevant processes and the balance of ecosystems.

science2 years ago

Revolutionary Discovery: Microorganism Challenges Traditional Textbook Knowledge

Researchers have discovered an incredibly high biodiversity of microorganisms, at least 4.5 times greater than previously known, with a focus on sulfate-reducing microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by converting organic carbon and sulfur compounds. The study revealed a novel multifunctional bacterial species belonging to the little-researched phylum of acidobacteriota, which can obtain energy from both sulfate reduction and oxygen respiration, breaking down complex plant carbohydrates. This discovery challenges previous textbook knowledge and sheds light on the interplay between the carbon and sulfur cycles and their impact on climate-relevant processes.