Tag Archives: microorganisms

Ancient Origins of Antibiotic Resistance in Microorganisms: Insights from Recent Review

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The emergence of antibiotic resistance genes presents a significant and escalating threat to global public health. A comprehensive review from scientists at Hohai University delves into the evolutionary origins, ecological factors contributing to the spread and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes, and their broader environmental implications.

The evolution of antibiotic resistance genes is linked to unique physiological roles and ecological compartmentalization. Image credit: Xu et al., doi: 10.48130/biocontam-0025-0014.

Antibiotic resistance genes have become one of the most critical global challenges to public health, increasingly spreading across interconnected environments involving humans, animals, and the ecosystem.

These genes have been identified in some of the most pristine and extreme habitats on Earth, such as the depths of the Mariana Trench and ancient permafrost deposits, where they have remained unaffected by human-induced antibiotic exposure.

This pervasive distribution indicates that these bacteria evolved their antibiotic resistance capabilities millions of years before antibiotics were ever utilized in clinical or agricultural contexts.

“Antibiotic resistance is not a modern phenomenon,” states Guxiang You, Ph.D., corresponding author of the review.

“Many resistance genes initially evolved to enable bacterial survival under environmental stresses, long before the advent of antibiotics.”

“The pressing danger today is that human activities are disrupting natural barriers, facilitating the spread of these genes to harmful pathogens.”

“Many resistance genes stem from common bacterial genes that perform essential roles, such as the excretion of toxic substances or nutrient transport,” the researchers elucidated.

“Over time, these genes have acquired protective capabilities against antibiotics as a secondary feature.”

In natural ecosystems like soils and lakes, most resistance genes tend to remain confined within specific microbial communities, posing minimal risk to human health.

“The primary reason for this containment is genomic incompatibility,” they noted.

“Bacteria with significant genetic variations often cannot easily exchange and utilize resistance genes.”

“This natural genetic mismatch serves as a biological firewall, limiting the transmission of resistance across different species and habitats.”

“However, human actions are compromising this firewall.”

In their review, the authors emphasize how agriculture, wastewater discharge, urbanization, and global trade are increasing connectivity between once-isolated environments.

Antibiotics used in medicine and livestock create intense selection pressures, while fertilizer use, wastewater recycling, and pollution foster the interaction of bacteria from soil, animals, and humans.

These factors facilitate the infiltration of resistance genes into disease-causing microbes.

“Human-induced changes in habitat connectivity alter everything,” explained Dr. Yi Xu, the lead author.

“When bacteria from disparate environments come into repeated contact under antibiotic pressure, previously harmless resistance genes can transform into a significant public health menace.”

“Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as crucial hotspots where high bacterial populations and antibiotic residues promote genetic exchange.”

“Agricultural lands enriched with fertilizers also serve as conduits, enabling resistance genes to transfer from livestock to environmental bacteria and ultimately back to humans via food, water, or direct contact.”

Critically, scientists note that not all resistance genes pose equal threats.

High environmental abundance does not automatically equate to high risk.

Identifying which genes are mobile, compatible with human pathogens, and linked to diseases is vital for effective monitoring and control efforts.

Researchers advocate for ecosystem-centered approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.

Proposed strategies include minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use, enhancing wastewater treatment methods, meticulously managing fertilizers and sludge, and safeguarding relatively untouched ecosystems that offer a baseline for natural resistance levels.

“Antibiotic resistance extends beyond being solely a medical issue,” remarked Dr. Yu.

“It is deeply connected to ecological factors and our interactions with the environment.”

“To preserve antibiotics for future generations, we must maintain the integrity of our current ecosystems.”

“By incorporating evolutionary biology, microbial ecology, and environmental science, the One Health approach provides a pragmatic pathway to tackle one of the greatest health challenges we face today.”

Source: review published in the Online Journal on December 5, 2025, Biological Contaminants.

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Yi Shu et al. 2025. Evolutionary origins, environmental factors, and consequences of the proliferation and spread of antibiotic resistance genes: A “One Health” perspective. Biological Contaminants 1: e014; doi: 10.48130/biocontam-0025-0014

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Bring Pleistocene Microorganisms Back to Life | Sci.News

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Researchers have brought ancient microorganisms back to life from permafrost cores dating back up to 40,000 years, extracted from four sites within the permafrost research tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska. They found that as underground permafrost melts, microbial activity begins with a slow “awakening”, but significant transformations in the microbial community occur within six months.

Archaeal abundance in whole samples collected from a permafrost research tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska. Image credits: Caro et al., doi: 10.1029/2025jg008759.

Currently, permafrost across the globe is melting at an alarming pace due to climate change driven by human activities.

Scientists are concerned that this could initiate a dangerous feedback loop. When permafrost thaws, the microorganisms within the soil begin to decompose organic matter and release it into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and methane, both potent greenhouse gases.

“This is one of the biggest uncertainties in climate response,” stated Professor Sebastian Copp from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“How does the thawing of this frozen ground, which contains significant amounts of stored carbon, impact the ecology and climate change rate in these areas?”

To investigate these uncertainties, researchers visited the US Army Corps of Engineers’ permafrost tunnels, a distinctive research setting.

The facility has been extended over 107 meters (350 feet) and continues toward the frozen ground below central Alaska.

Scientists have gathered permafrost samples ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of years old from the tunnel walls.

The samples were then treated with water and incubated at temperatures of 4°C and 12°C (39°F and 54°F).

“We aimed to replicate scenarios that would occur during Alaska’s summers under projected future climatic conditions that allow these temperatures to penetrate deeper into permafrost,” explained Dr. Tristan Caro, a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech.

The researchers utilized water containing unusually heavy hydrogen atoms, referred to as deuterium, to track how microorganisms absorbed water and used hydrogen to construct lipid membranes surrounding all living cells.

In the initial months, these colonies grew slowly, with some even replacing only one cell for every 100,000 daily.

In laboratory settings, most bacterial colonies can be entirely replenished in a matter of hours.

However, by the six-month mark, everything had transformed. Some bacterial colonies even developed visible biofilms.

“These microorganisms likely pose no threat to human health, but they were kept in sealed environments nonetheless,” remarked Dr. Karo.

“The colonies don’t seem to wake up quickly in warmer temperatures.”

“These findings may provide insights regarding thawing permafrost in real-world conditions. It appears that after a warm period, microorganisms can take several months to start emitting significant quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.”

“This means that a longer Arctic summer increases risks for the planet.”

“While a single hot day might occur during an Alaskan summer, the primary concern is the prolonged summer season, with warm temperatures extending into autumn and spring.”

“Many questions remain unresolved about these microorganisms, such as whether ancient organisms exhibit similar behavior in different global locations.”

“There is an abundance of permafrost worldwide. In Alaska, Siberia, and other northern cold regions, our sampling covered only a small fraction of that.”

The findings were published on September 23rd in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences.

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Takaro et al. 2025. Microbial resuscitation and growth rates in deep permafrost: Lipid-stable isotope probing results from the permafrost research tunnel in Fox, Alaska. JGR Biogeosciences 130 (9): e2025jg008759; doi: 10.1029/2025jg008759

Source: www.sci.news

Discover How Frozen Microorganisms Survive for 100,000 Years

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Some archaea can endure extreme environments

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Microorganisms found in Siberian permafrost seem to have existed for more than 100,000 years as indicated by DNA analysis. The genetic similarities with other species imply that such long life spans might be common among the closest living relatives of complex cell organisms.

Additionally, microorganisms gathered from ancient marine sediments, some over 100 million years old, raise questions about the survival of individual organisms over such spans. “You can’t conduct experiments over that duration,” states Karen Lloyd from the University of Southern California. “[Time] Coexistence is an unpredictable variable.”

Lloyd and her team aimed to find microorganisms in areas that had been stable for extensive periods. Their exploration led them to the Chukchi Peninsula, the easternmost point of Siberia, where they extracted a 22-meter core of permafrost.

This core allowed them to extract DNA from layers of marine sediment that dates back between 100,000 and 120,000 years. These sediments contained pores filled with liquid water that might have trapped microorganisms, preventing any exchange of nutrients or organisms. “Being frozen means that ice structures encapsulate them,” Lloyd explains.

The subsequent question was how to differentiate between living and non-living cells. Researchers sequenced millions of DNA fragments from the permafrost, utilizing them to reconstruct the genomes of various microbial species present. The degraded DNA was repaired, and enzymes that facilitated genome reconstitution were introduced into the mix.

After incorporating DNA repair enzymes, most reconstructed genomes showed significant completeness, indicating they originated from dead cells that do not actively preserve DNA integrity, according to Lloyd. Conversely, the genomes of six species showed minimal alteration, suggesting that these DNA samples came from living cells actively maintaining their genome since being frozen at least 100,000 years ago.

All six species with intact DNA were from the gate forest, also known as Asgard Archaea. These organisms are recognized as the closest modern relatives to all eukaryotes, encompassing animals, plants, fungi, and other native forms of life.

“Discovering Asgard archaea thriving in ancient permafrost offers insight into their evolutionary path… and their role in the emergence of complex life,” remarks team member Rend Liang at the University of Earth Sciences in China, especially during an era when the Earth was fully frozen.

Even more remarkably, the long-lived species were similar to Asgard Archaea found in less extreme environments, sharing genes associated with protein and DNA repair. This may have facilitated gradual exchanges of cellular components in low-energy conditions without cell division. “They’re like the most uneventful Asgards ever,” Lloyd comments. “Their lack of excitement suggests they possess capabilities.”

Stephen de Hon from the University of Rhode Island considers the study a “significant advancement” in understanding exceptionally long life spans.

Nevertheless, he warns that these findings should not be generalized to environments beyond freezing conditions like permafrost. “Long periods of inactivity in frozen states are different from living extensively at minimal activity levels.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Deep Microorganisms Capable of Harnessing Energy from Earthquakes

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Microorganisms may derive energy from surprisingly confined environments

Book Worms / Public Domain Sources from Aramie / Access Rights

Fractured rocks from earthquakes could reveal a variety of chemical energy sources for the microorganisms thriving deep beneath the surface, and similar mechanisms may feed microorganisms on other planets.

“This opens up an entirely new metabolic possibility,” says Kurt Konhauser, from the University of Alberta, Canada.

All life forms on Earth rely on flowing electrons to sustain themselves. On the planet’s surface, plants harness sunlight to create carbon-based sugars that are consumed by animals, including humans. This initiates a flow of electrons from the carbon to the oxygen we breathe. The chemical gradient formed by these carbon electron donors and oxygen electron acceptors, known as redox pairs, generates energy.

Underground, microbes also depend on redox pairs, but these deep ecosystems lack access to various solar energy forms. Hence, traditional carbon-oxygen pairings are inadequate. “Challenges remain in identifying these underground [chemical gradients]. Where do they originate?” Konhauser questions.

Hydrogen gas, generated by the interaction of water and rock, serves as a primary electron source for these microbes, much like carbon sugars do on the surface. This hydrogen arises from the breakdown of water molecules, which can occur when radioactive rocks react with water or iron-rich formations. During earthquakes, when silicate rocks are fragmented, they expose reactive surfaces that can split water, producing considerable amounts of hydrogen.

However, to utilize that hydrogen, microorganisms require electron acceptors to complete the redox pair. Attributing value solely to hydrogen is misleading. “Having the food is great, but without a fork, you can’t eat it,” remarks Barbara Sherwood Lollar from the University of Toronto, Canada.

Konhauser, Sherwood Lollar, and their research team employed rock-crushing machines to simulate the reactions that yield hydrogen gas within geological settings, which could subsequently form a complete redox pair. They crushed quartz crystals, mimicking strains in various types of faults and mixing the water present in most rocks with different iron and rock forms.

The crushed quartz reacted with water to generate significant quantities of hydrogen, both in stable molecular forms and more reactive species. The team’s findings revealed many of these hydrogen radicals react with iron-rich liquids, creating numerous compounds capable of either donating or accepting enough electrons to establish different redox pairs.

“Numerous rocks can be harnessed for energy,” Konhauser pointed out. “These reactions mediate diverse chemical processes, suggesting various microorganisms can thrive.” Secondary reactions involving nitrogen or sulfur could yield even broader energy sources.

“I was astonished by the quantities,” said Magdalena Osburn from Northwestern University, Illinois. “It produces immense quantities of hydrogen, and it also initiates fascinating auxiliary chemistry.”

Researchers estimate that earthquakes generate far less hydrogen than other water-rock interactions within the Earth’s crust. However, their insights imply that active faults may serve as local hotspots for microbial diversity and activity, Sherwood Lollar explained.

Importantly, a complete earthquake isn’t a prerequisite. Similar reactions can take place as rocks fracture in seismically stable areas, like continents or geologically dead planets such as Mars. “Even within these massive rocks, you can observe pressure redistributions and shifts,” she noted.

“It’s truly exciting to explore sources I was recently unfamiliar with,” stated Karen Lloyd from the University of Southern California. The variety of usable chemicals produced in actual fault lines is likely even more diverse. “This likely occurs under varying pressures, temperatures, and across vast spatial scales, involving a broader range of minerals,” she said.

Energy from infrequent events like earthquakes may also illuminate the lifestyles of what Lloyd refers to as aeonophiles—deep subterranean microorganisms thought to have existed for extensive time periods. “If we can endure 10,000 years, we may experience a magnitude 9 earthquake that yields a tremendous energy surge,” Lloyd added.

This research is part of a growing trend over the last two decades that broadens our understanding of where and how organisms can endure underground, states Sherwood Lollar. “The deep rocks of continents have revealed much about the habitability of our planet,” she concluded.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetically Enhanced Microorganisms Could Optimize the Microbiota

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The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health

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Genetically modified enterobacteria can effectively degrade compounds linked to kidney stones. This innovative approach to regulating gut microbiota could extend beyond just treating kidney stones, opening pathways for new therapies for various conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

“The gut microbiota significantly influences our health and presents an exciting opportunity for intervention,” says Weston Whitaker from Stanford University in California. However, prior efforts in this area have encountered challenges. Bacteria, whether they are naturally occurring probiotics or genetically engineered strains, often struggle to colonize the large intestine because they must compete with the existing microbial flora.

In an innovative twist, Whitaker and his team decided to genetically modify bacteria that are already prevalent in most people’s intestines, specifically Phocaeicola vulgatus. “We aimed for a strain that would assimilate well into the gut environment,” he explains.

The research team made three key genetic modifications. The first enabled the bacteria to break down a compound called oxalates, which is known to contribute to kidney stones. The second modification allowed them to digest porphyran, a carbohydrate found in red seaweed, providing a competitive edge since most gut microbes do not utilize porphyran. The final adjustments made the bacteria dependent on porphyran for survival, allowing researchers to manage microbial growth effectively.

The researchers conducted a study involving 12 rats on a high-oxalate diet over four days, half of which were treated with genetically modified bacteria that could process oxalate. All rats received porphyran in their daily diet. After six days, those receiving the engineered bacteria had an average of 47% less oxalate in their urine compared to the control group.

The team also examined nine engineered microorganisms in cases of intestinal hyperoxaluria, a condition where excessive oxalate absorption leads to recurrent kidney stones. All subjects consumed 10 grams of porphyran daily for 28 days. On average, participants with the condition but without treatment displayed 27% more oxalate in their urine compared to those receiving the modified strains.

While this reduction in oxalate was not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size, Whitaker notes that existing clinical trials indicate a 20% decrease in oxalate is sufficient to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, there remains hope for bacteria to help prevent kidney stones.

No serious side effects were reported among participants; however, those treated with genetically modified gut microorganisms were more prone to mild gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

A significant concern emerged from the genetic analysis of the gut microbiota of human subjects, conducted eight weeks post-supplementation, which revealed that only four individuals retained the engineered bacteria capable of digesting porphyran. This suggests that the modified bacteria exchanged genetic material with the resident gut microorganisms. Although this shouldn’t pose safety risks for participants, Whitaker emphasizes the necessity for further investigation in this area.

“This [approach] represents a major breakthrough,” states Christophe Thaiss at Stanford University, who was not involved in the study. He highlights the potential for designing intestinal microorganisms with therapeutic properties that can be reliably integrated into the gut, offering strategies to address various medical conditions.

“We understand that our gut microbiota is linked to many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer,” Whitaker observes. “However, the specific relationship between the microbiota and disease causation or prevention remains unclear,” he adds, emphasizing the need for further exploration into this approach.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Can Soil Microorganisms Alter Brain Chemistry and Enhance Mood?

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Is soil truly an antidepressant?

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Numerous intriguing claims about gardening have circulated, especially one that insists, “The soil acts as an antidepressant.”

According to this notion, it’s been promoted through countless social media posts. Mycobacterium vaccae, microorganisms commonly found in soil, are said to improve your mood. Simply engaging with the earth can yield these benefits. It’s believed that these bacteria can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled, subsequently enhancing your brain chemistry. But is this as credible as it seems?

While these claims may appear peculiar at first glance, studies have indeed explored the effects of this microorganism on various health conditions, such as eczema and cancer. Interestingly, M. vaccae was first identified in Ugandan soil samples while scientists sought a non-lethal relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it has potential as a form of immunotherapy.

Researchers became intrigued by its possible benefits for depression when lung cancer patients treated with this bacteria reported improvements in their quality of life, which was an unexpected yet welcomed side effect. Current research, likely indicating an uplift in mood, has been replicated across numerous well-designed studies. Thus, the internet is rife with memes about this finding.

However, there is a caveat. All studies specifically examining this hypothesis have been conducted on mice rather than humans, which is significant because the outcomes of animal studies are often difficult to extrapolate to humans. For instance, one review of 76 animal studies found that only 37% were replicated in human trials.

Moreover, the mice used in the M. vaccae studies were male and from specific inbred strains. Researchers varied their methods for administering the bacteria, either by saturating the air in their cages or applying it directly to their skin. Most studies I found involved injecting the bacteria into the bloodstream of the mice or incorporating it into their food.

As someone captivated by the growing evidence that suggests spending time in green spaces improves mental health, I eagerly anticipate further research on M. vaccae. Nevertheless, despite the viral nature of the claim that “soil is an antidepressant,” it’s essential to acknowledge that it primarily stems from studies on male mice injected with purified bacteria.

James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a particular focus on food crops, conservation, and the environment. He trained at the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, London, and shares a small flat with over 500 houseplants. Follow him on X and Instagram @BotanyGeek

For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unexpected “Harmless” Microorganisms May Significantly Influence Colorectal Cancer

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Methanobrevibacter shows that a microorganism named smithii is linked to colorectal cancer

Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library/Alamy

Ancient mysterious microorganisms, distinct from bacteria and viruses, are believed to have a role in colorectal cancer, challenging the notion that these microorganisms are harmless.

Life can be categorized into three domains: the first consists of single-celled bacteria, the second includes eukaryotes—multicellular organisms such as animals and plants equipped with complex cells housing nuclei and DNA.

The third domain is Archaea, comprising single-celled organisms previously mistaken for bacteria due to their lack of nuclei. Recent findings reveal that they possess some traits similar to eukaryotes, suggesting that the first eukaryotes might have originated from archaeal cells that incorporated free-living bacteria.

Our intestines harbor trillions of bacteria and viruses linked to various conditions, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, alongside archaea, though the latter is often overlooked.

“Most researchers studying the human microbiome tend to overlook archaea, disregarding their potential significance,” notes Roxy Mohammadzadeh from Glaz Medical College in Austria. However, several archaea have been associated with colorectal cancer, Parkinson’s disease, infections related to gum disease, and urinary tract infections.

In pursuit of a clearer understanding, Mohammazzade and her team analyzed data from 19 clinical studies involving more than 1800 individuals.

They observed that while the link between archaea and several medical conditions is prevalent, it varies. Particularly, Methanobrevibacter smithii was notably present in individuals with colorectal cancer. This microbe significantly aids digestion by converting bacterial fermentation byproducts like hydrogen and carbon dioxide into methane.

Utilizing microbial culturing techniques, the team found M. smithii interacting with bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis, E. coli, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

These bacterial species have been linked to colorectal cancer; particularly, the association with F. nucleatum appears to be significant given its relationship with cancer. When M. smithii coexists with F. nucleatum, the latter produces higher amounts of succinate, a critical metabolic signaling molecule recognized for enhancing tumor invasiveness and spread potential noted in cancer studies.

“This represents the first mechanical evidence linking archaea to human diseases, particularly colorectal cancer,” states Mohamatzade.

This research reinforces earlier findings connecting M. smithii to colorectal cancer, asserting the need for further exploration to uncover the mechanisms at play and why this microorganism is prevalent in colorectal cancer patients, according to Gianmarco Piccinno from Trent University, Italy. He emphasizes that most available evidence is correlational and calls for additional studies.

“While Archaea is acknowledged as part of the human microbiota, its direct involvement in diseases remains poorly understood,” points out Sunny Wong from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Recent studies have also established connections between archaea and colorectal cancer. “Though they exist in fewer numbers than bacteria in the intestine, they are metabolically active, often consuming hydrogen, producing methane, and interacting with the host.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Microorganisms Emitting Methane Stabilize the Seabed

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Methane penetration refers to a submersible area around the globe where the natural gas you rely on for cooking and heating is known as methane that leaks from the seabed. These penetrations are commonly found in transitional regions where land meets the ocean, known as the continental margin. Methane originates from and is produced by organic matter, including dead plants and animals, that have been buried under layers of sediment for millions of years. Through pressure and heat from within the Earth, this organic matter can decompose into methane, which escapes from the seabed into the ocean.

This methane also serves as an energy source for various microscopic organisms, allowing it to fuel your stove. The microorganisms known as methanogenic bacteria or methanotrophs utilize methane as food through a process referred to as aerobic methane oxidation. These bacteria employ oxygen to extract energy from methane gas, akin to how humans extract energy from food, producing carbon dioxide and water as by-products.

When carbon dioxide interacts with water, it creates a weak acid known as carbonic acid. Carboxylic acids can dissolve calcium carbonate minerals that make up shells in organisms like corals, mussels, and clams. While methanotrophs produce carbon dioxide as waste, scientists remain uncertain about its role in corroding calcium carbonate in marine environments. Research has been conducted in laboratories, but not in natural marine settings until now.

A team of researchers from Germany investigated the corrosion of calcium carbonate associated with active methane along the continental margin off the west coast of Gabon, Congo, and Angola in Africa. They deployed limestone cubes measuring 10 cm (around 4 inches) high and 4 cm (approximately 4 inches) wide above the seabed near active methane sites, as well as on a mussel bed. The cubes were left on the seabed for 2.5 years before being retrieved.

Upon recovery, the researchers noted that cubes situated near the methane leak exhibited rough surfaces. Microscopic examination revealed small holes, termed microborings, likely created by microorganisms. In contrast, cubes placed farther from the methane leak showed no signs of such features. This led researchers to interpret these differences as evidence that microorganisms are responsible for the dissolution of limestone in areas of methane penetration.

To further analyze the role of methanotrophs in limestone dissolution, the team extracted DNA from microbial communities inhabiting the limestone cubes. They identified DNA from members of aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria, particularly from the uncultured HYD24-01 clade. Previous studies have detected these microorganisms in other methane-rich locations, suggesting their potential for corroding limestone.

To corroborate their findings, the researchers also examined lipid molecules known as lipid biomarkers from microorganisms at the site. Scientists utilize lipid biomarkers to identify bacterial species and their energy sources. They discovered that the lipid biomarkers collected from the seabed sites matched the DNA results. Notably, they found an abundance of lipids from methanotrophs called NC16:1Ω7 among the limestone cubes. This led them to conclude that methanotrophs prominently represented the microbial communities linked to the microborings in the limestone.

The research team proposed that their findings provide concrete evidence that methane-consuming bacteria dissolve calcium carbonate rocks in areas of marine methane. They suggested that these bacteria acidify their environment by releasing carbon dioxide during methane oxidation. The released carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid, which decreases pH levels, dissolves limestone, and contributes to ocean acidification. They advocated for future research to delve into the specific mechanisms that these microorganisms utilize and to quantify the extent of microbial erosion’s contribution to marine acidification.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Sexually Transmitted Microorganisms in Forensic Investigations: A Potential Tool

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The male and female genitals provide a clear environment for microorganisms

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Sexual partners transfer their unique genital microbiota to one another during sexual intercourse. This can affect forensic investigations of sexual assault.

Brendan Chapman Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia and his colleagues collected swabs from the genitals of 12 monogamous heterosexual couples and used RNA gene sequences to identify microbial signatures for each participant. Researchers asked couples to refrain from sex for two days to two weeks, and took follow-up samples several hours after sex.

“We found that these genetic signatures from female bacteria can be detected in male partners and vice versa,” Chapman says. As the team infused it, this change in a person's “sexome” could prove useful in criminal investigations, he says.

The amount of transfers varies from couple to couple, and the team found that even the use of condoms completely prevented the movement of the Sensomem from one partner to another. However, one major limitation of the outcome was the significant changes in female sexsomes during the period.

Chapman says there may be long-term homogenization of the microbiota of monogamous couples, but the bacterial population clearly differs between genders.

“The big advantage we have in our penis and vaginal microbiota is that we observe very different types of bacteria in each because there are huge differences in the two environments,” says Chapman. “For example, the penis is primarily a skin-like surface and therefore reflects similarity to the skin microbiota. There are a variety of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, and the aerobic type in the penis. .”

So many of these bacteria cannot last indefinitely in the opposite environment, he says. “It's like comparing land to sea animals. Some live exclusively in one or the other and die if removed, but they willingly move and last.”

After establishing bacterial movement during sex, the team wants to prove that individual sexsomes are unique, like fingerprints and DNA. “I think every person's Sensomem contains enough diversity and uniqueness, but there's still something to do to demonstrate it with robust enough techniques to meet the forensic challenges. There is,” says Chapman.

If researchers can prove this, it can help investigate sexual assaults, particularly those in which male suspects do not ejaculate, have had vascular resections, or use condoms. “The genetic profile of a bacterial may be able to support or oppose propositions or testimony about what happened in the allegations of sexual assault,” he says. Dennis McNevin At Sydney Institute of Technology, Australia.

In such cases, the standard profile of human DNA is always preferred due to the great power of distinguishing individuals, he says, but sexomes may offer useful alternatives. “Bacterial genetic profiles may one day complement DNA evidence, or may help refer to the perpetrator of a rare sexual assault where DNA profiles are not available,” McNevin says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Recent study explains the atomic-level process of microorganisms metabolizing carbon monoxide.

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More than 2 billion tons of carbon monoxide are released in the atmosphere every year. Various bacteria and old bacteria take this in about 250 million tons, reducing carbon monoxide to a safer level. According to new studies, these microorganisms use a special enzyme called CO Dehydrogenase to extract energy from this universal but very toxic gas.

kropp et al。 Demonstrates that CO dehydrogenase can oxidize carbon monoxide to an invasion level. Image credit: NASA / NOAA / GSFC / SUOMI NPP / VIIRS / NORMAN KURING.

“Carbon monoxide is a powerful poison with multiple cell life, and is also a high -energy fuel and carbon source of microorganisms,” said the University of Monash University and his colleagues, Ashley Crop.

“Carbon monoxide is released in large quantities in the atmosphere, and nature and human sources contribute to the estimated 26 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions each year.”

“Nevertheless, the average carbon monoxide concentration in the atmosphere remains very low at about 100 ppb for consumption by non -biological processes and microbial oxidation.”

“Microorganism consumption accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 % of carbon monoxide removed from the atmosphere (approximately 250 million tons per year).”

In their research, the authors showed for the first time how Co -Dehydrogenase extracted carbon monoxide and power cells.

“This enzyme is used in microorganisms of our soil and water areas. These microorganisms consume carbon monoxide for their own survival, but in the process. Help me, “said Kropp.

“This was a great example of the ingenuity of microorganisms. How did life evolve how toxic toxic things are evolved,” said Devid Gillet, the University of Monache.

“These microorganisms help to clean our atmosphere. This is because carbon monoxide is indirectly greening gas in opposition to air pollution that kills millions of people every year. Reduce warming.

“This discovery is unlikely to be used directly to fight the emissions of carbon monoxide, but deepen understanding of how the atmosphere is regulated and how it will respond to future changes. Nothing.

“This discovery emphasized the wider importance of microorganisms,” said Professor Chris Green at the University of Monash.

“Microorganisms have countless roles that are indispensable to both human and planet health, but they are often misunderstood and are often misunderstood, so they are often noticed.”

“Microorganisms were a major reason for our air,” said Kropp.

“We breathe, detoxify various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and make half of oxygen to detoxify.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Natural chemical student。

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A. KROPP et al。 Kinon extraction promotes carbon monoxide oxidation in the atmosphere of bacteria. NAT CHEM BIOLReleased online on January 29, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41589-025-01836-0

Source: www.sci.news

Microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments are suppressed by viruses

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Microorganisms thrive in acidic environments despite harsh conditions. These microorganisms, known as acidophilic organisms, are found in places like Yellowstone’s hot springs, sulfuric acid caves, and acid mine drainage channels. Viruses are also abundant in such environments, infecting bacteria just as influenza infects humans. These viruses are called bacteriophage, which means “bacteria eater.”

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, found in almost every life-supporting environment. However, their role in extremely acidic environments is not fully understood. Chinese scientists investigated viral communities in acid mine drainage to gain insights.

Samples were collected from two acidic mine drainage sites in China – Daibaoshan Mine and Shijinshan Mine. These sites had high metal concentrations and acidic pH levels below 3, along with diverse microbial communities.

The research team used metagenomics to analyze the DNA in the samples, identifying microorganisms and viruses without the need for lab cultivation. They also collected geochemical data to understand the impact of environmental conditions on microbial and viral communities.

Over 1,500 bacteriophages and viruses were found in acid mine drainage, with their abundance linked to the presence of host microorganisms. Some viruses were found to benefit their host’s growth temporarily by enhancing metal uptake, giving them a competitive advantage within the microbial community.

The study revealed that viruses and environmental conditions play a crucial role in shaping microbial communities in acidic environments. While various factors influence these communities, the viral community at Daihozan Mine was more impacted by the types of microorganisms present, while both viruses and environmental conditions influenced the microbial community at Zijinshan Mine.

This research expands our understanding of viruses in acidic environments, revealing undocumented viruses in places like acid mine drainage. Bacteriophages may play a significant role in regulating microbial communities in extreme environments, suggesting the importance of viral “bacteria eaters” in such settings.

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Source: sciworthy.com

How do microorganisms get ready for winter?

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As the Earth continues its journey around the sun, plants and animals in the northern hemisphere prepare for the onset of autumn in September and the coming winter. Humans rely on calendars to tell us the seasons, but other creatures use changes in the weather and amount of sunlight to signal that winter is approaching. For example, long-lived trees often retain their leaves until the days get shorter, even if an early snowstorm signals the arrival of winter.

Plants and animals have complex proteins and sophisticated memories that allow them to decide when to prepare for cold weather. Bacteria and other microorganisms are also vulnerable to winter cold, so we need to prepare for harsher weather. However, because microorganisms have simple ecology and short lifespans, it is difficult to detect seasonal changes.

Some microorganisms can sense sunlight hours. A group of these microorganisms known as cyanobacteria can predict the beginning and end of your day. Cyanobacteria use three Kai proteins called KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC to track time by sensing the light and dark times of the day. photoperiod. A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University wanted to test whether cyanobacteria’s ability to sense photoperiods could also allow them to sense seasonal changes.

The scientists grew cyanobacterial cells on a nutrient-filled dish for eight days under varying photoperiods. Some cells grow in summer-like days with 16 hours of daylight, others grow in winter-like days with 8 hours of daylight, and some cells grow in winter-like days with 12 hours of mid-day light. The scientists took cells from each photoperiod condition and placed half of them in a bucket of ice at 32°F (0°C). The halves are placed in a closed, temperature-controlled chamber. incubator at 86°F (30°C) for 2 hours. Cells were then returned to the dish at 86°F (30°C) and left to grow for 5 days.

The scientists calculated the survival rate in each photoperiod condition by comparing the number of cells that could grow from an ice bucket and an incubator. They reasoned that if cells could recognize that shorter days meant winter was coming, they might become more tolerant of the cold and fewer would die in ice buckets. Scientists found that cyanobacterial cells grown under short photoperiods were two to three times better at surviving at freezing temperatures than cells grown under longer photoperiods.

The researchers also wanted to investigate whether the cold tolerance of cells grown in short photoperiods was due to a sense of photoperiod. So they removed the Kai protein from the cells and repeated the experiment. These cells had the same survival rate of approximately 35% regardless of the length of the photoperiod in which they were grown. By comparison, cells containing the Kai protein had a 75% survival rate when grown under winter photoperiods and 25% survival when grown under summer photoperiod conditions. The scientists concluded that these cyanobacteria sense the days getting shorter and respond by preparing for the colder weather.

Next, the scientists wanted to understand how cells prepare for cold weather. They knew that some cells can change the composition of fat in their cell walls to maintain their physical structure when the temperature drops. By chemically extracting the fats present inside the cells using chloroform, methanol, and water, the researchers investigated whether the same changes in cell wall fats occur in cyanobacteria grown under winter photoperiods. was tested. They measured the amount of different fats in the cells using a device called a mass spectrometer. Through this analysis, the scientists demonstrated that cyanobacteria grown under shorter photoperiods also increased the amount of fat in their cell walls that made them more cold resistant.

The researchers concluded that because cyanobacteria can sense seasonal changes, this ability probably evolved long ago and may be active in other microorganisms as well. The research team hopes that by studying cyanobacteria and their ability to sense photoperiods, scientists can learn more about how ancient organisms felt the seasons. Researchers say that because algae sense photoperiods and can threaten aquatic habitat during algal blooms, researchers are trying to understand the relationship between photoperiods and how algae adapt to the seasons. By understanding this, he suggested, it may be possible to control algal blooms and protect aquatic habitats.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Living microorganisms found in ancient 2 billion-year-old rocks by microbiologists

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Researchers from the University of Tokyo and others have discovered pockets of living microorganisms in mineral-filled veins in 2 billion-year-old rocks taken from South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex.

The 2-billion-year-old mafic rocks of the Bushveld Igneous Complex reveal veins filled with clay minerals colonized by indigenous microorganisms (stained green). Image provided by: Suzuki others., doi: 10.1007/s00248-024-02434-8.

“We didn’t know whether rocks from 2 billion years ago were habitable or not,” says Dr. Yohei Suzuki, a researcher at the University of Tokyo.

“This is a very interesting discovery because the oldest geological formations in which living microorganisms have been found were 100 million-year-old deposits beneath the ocean floor.”

“By studying the DNA and genomes of these microorganisms, we may be able to understand the evolution of very early life on Earth.”

Dr. Suzuki and his colleagues analyzed rock samples from the Bushveld Igneous Complex, a rock intrusion in northeastern South Africa that formed when magma slowly cooled beneath the earth’s surface.

“The Bushveld Igneous Complex covers an area of approximately 66,000 km2 (about the same size as Ireland), varies in thickness by up to 9 km, and contains approximately 70% of the platinum mined worldwide. , contains some of the richest mineral deposits on Earth,” they said.

“Due to the way it was formed and the minimal deformation and changes that have occurred since then, the BIC is thought to have provided a stable habitat for ancient microbial life that continues to this day.”

The core sample, measuring 8.5 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length, was taken from a depth of 15.28 meters with the assistance of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, a non-profit organization that funds exploration of geological sites.

By analyzing thin slices of the rock, the researchers found that the cracks in the rock were packed with live microbial cells.

The crevices near these cracks were clogged with clay, making it impossible for living things to get out of them or for anything else to get in.

The researchers built on previously developed techniques to ensure that the microbes were native to the rock samples and not due to contamination during the drilling or testing process.

By staining the DNA of microbial cells and using infrared spectroscopy to observe proteins in the microbes and the surrounding clay, they confirmed that the microbes were alive and uncontaminated.

“I am very interested in the possibility that subsurface microorganisms exist not only on Earth, but also on other planets,” said Dr. Suzuki.

“Rocks on Mars are generally much older (20 billion to 30 billion years ago), but NASA’s Perseverance rover is currently scheduled to return rocks that are similar in age to the rocks used in this study.”

“Now that we have discovered microbial life in a 2 billion-year-old Earth sample and have been able to accurately confirm its authenticity, we are excited to see what we will find in Mars samples in the future.”

of result Published in a magazine microbial ecology.

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Yuya Suzuki others. 2024. Subsurface microbial colonization of mineral-filled veins in 2 billion-year-old mafic rocks of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa. microorganism ecole 87, 116; doi: 10.1007/s00248-024-02434-8

This article is based on a press release from the University of Tokyo.

Source: www.sci.news

Beneficial microorganisms in plant roots enhance the flavor of tea

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Microbes appear to influence how well tea plants absorb nutrients

Artur Szymczyk/Alamy

Tweaking the microbial community at the base of the tea plant could make your favorite tea taste even better.

Just as the bacteria that live in our guts influence our health, the microbes that live in and around plant roots play a role in how plants absorb nutrients from the soil. Masu. But little is known about their effects on tea flavor and nutritional content, he says. Yang Zhenbiao At the University of California, Riverside.

To learn more, Yang and his colleagues collected and analyzed tea plants (Camellia sinensis) is grown in Fujian Province, China. Researchers found that certain soil microorganisms are involved in increased nitrogen uptake, which increases the production of a chemical called theanine in plant roots, resulting in increased production of a chemical called theanine, especially in the leaves of a variety called Roguey. It turns out that the level has increased.

Theanine adds a rich flavor to beer, and the amount of theanine contained is considered an important indicator of the quality of tea. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract the stimulant effects of caffeine, Yang says.

In the next step of the study, the researchers extracted the 21 most beneficial microorganisms for theanine from the soil and generated a custom microbial community. Its composition was very similar to that found naturally around Logi.

When this mixture was applied to the roots of other types of tea plants, theanine levels were increased even in the roots of tea plants grown in nitrogen-poor soils. “Not only does it have great health benefits, but it also improves the sweetness and flavor of the tea,” says Yang.

The research team hopes that the customized microbial community could be used in the future to perfect the quality of tea and improve the nutritional value of other plants such as rice.

“Improving nitrogen absorption efficiency can also reduce dependence on fertilizers, which could also have a major impact on the future of agriculture,” says Yang.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Role of Microorganisms in Creating Cheddar Cheese’s Distinctive Flavor

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Cheddar cheese often has a creamy, nutty flavor, but can also have fruity, meaty notes.

Julian Eales/Alamy

Cheddar cheese’s nutty, creamy flavor depends slightly on a delicate balance of bacteria that scientists have now identified. Understanding how these bacteria interact can help cheesemakers achieve the specific flavor they are trying to create, and even help create starters with the right balance of microbes. This could lead to computer simulations for formulating cultures.

All fermented foods and beverages, including cheese, kimchi, and kombucha, rely on complex interactions between microorganisms. To make cheese in particular, a starter culture is added to milk to begin fermentation, acidifying the dairy product and giving it a slightly tangy taste.

Cheese makers have long known that some of the important bacteria involved in this process are: thermophilus and types LactococcusHowever, little was known about how these interact and whether those interactions affect the flavor of cheese.

Kratz Melkonian Researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands focused on cheddar cheese, one of the world’s most popular cheeses.

They used variations of four starter cultures to create different cheese samples. One was from an industrial producer of such starters and included both. thermophilus bacteria and types Lactococcusmainly seeds L. lactis and its variants L. cremoris. Others were made by researchers and either contained the same bacteria as before or not. thermophilus bacteria or there is no type Lactococcus.

After a year, the research team found that the cheese made from the starter thermophilus bacteria The population of the type of ~ was much smaller Lactococcus Better than anything else, even a starter of nothing Lactococcus The type to start with.this suggests thermophilus bacteria important to strengthen Lactococcus It will grow, Melkonian said.

When it comes to taste, L. cremoris It seems to control the production of diacetyl and acetoin, the chemicals that give buttery flavor, but in too high a quantity can cause an “unpleasant” taste.

L. cremoris It also increased the concentration of compounds that add subtle meaty, fruity notes, the researchers wrote in the paper. Without this variant, cheese tended to contain high levels of chemicals that add nutty and creamy flavors.

There was no difference in the microbial activity or taste of cheeses using the same starter bacteria, regardless of whether the starter was made industrially or by the team.

Overall, these findings indicate that the flavor within cheddar cheese is easily influenced by various bacterial interactions. This could help cheesemakers fine-tune the taste of the cheese they’re making, Melkonian says. “We now have targets whose interactions can affect different bacteria.” Computer simulations can help you formulate starters with the right proportions of different bacteria to achieve the desired flavor. You could do that, he says.

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  • microbiology/
  • Eating and drinking

Source: www.newscientist.com