News in Sustainable Strategies
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NewsLignin is effective against viruses and bacteria
Lignin, a polyphenol, has antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria. An by-product from wood industry, lignin has potential as promising green alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents for coating agents, packaging material, or surface disinfectants.
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NewsStudy finds fungus metabolites may help ghost shrimp survive
Researchers have found that chemical byproducts produced by the amphibian-killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis—commonly known as Bd—may actually help ghost shrimp survive.
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NewsThe microbiome of the indri, a critically endangered lemur, has been described
An international study has ascertained the composition of the intestinal microbiome of the indri, a critically endangered lemur in Madagascar. It has found up to 47 unknown species of bacteria, and revealed the indri’s microbiome is transmitted within their social group.
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NewsNew research reveals ancient alliance between woody plants and microbes has potential to protect precious peatlands
New research shows that during historic periods of drying the growth of woody plants in a subtropical Chinese peatland improved the quality of organic matter and suppressed decomposing microbial activity.
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NewsAMI to head world-leading committee dedicated to protecting microbial diversity
Applied Microbiology International is to lead a new conservation committee dedicated to the protection of microbial biodiversity. IUCN has approved the creation of the first-ever IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) group dedicated to microbial biodiversity.
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NewsTwo new solutions for coral protection: a conductive biopaste and a natural healing patch
A research group in Italy has developed two new coral protection technologies for healing and restoring coral reefs: a biopaste and a natural patch, both successfully tested on real corals.
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NewsKākāpō decline reveals threat of parasite coextinction
Researchers have discovered that more than 80 per cent of parasites detected in kākāpō poo prior to the 1990s are no longer present in contemporary populations. They used ancient DNA and microscopic techniques to sample faeces dating back more than 1500 years.
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NewsUnderground Atlas: First global map of fungal biodiversity reveals 90% conservation gap
The Underground Atlas is the first digital map predicting Earth’s underground mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity. The work analyzed 2.8 billion DNA sequences from 130 countries revealing that over 90% of mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas.
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NewsMicrobially synthesized bioplastic may solve marine plastic pollution problem
Researchers have demonstrated a new eco-friendly plastic that decomposes in deep ocean conditions. In a deep-sea experiment, the microbially synthesized poly(d-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (LAHB) biodegraded, while conventional plastics persisted.
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NewsUnprecedented acidification ahead for Hawaiian corals
A new study has revealed that unprecedented levels of ocean acidification are expected around the main Hawaiian Islands within the next three decades.
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NewsPrairie dogs carry genes linked to surviving plague
A study of the genetic basis of plague immunity in prairie dogs has broad implications for conservation. By comparing whole-genome sequences, the authors identified genetic variants associated with survivorship.
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NewsResearchers develop superstrong, eco-friendly materials from bacteria
Scientists have developed a scalable approach to engineer bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. Their biosynthesis technique aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, resulting in robust biopolymer sheets with exceptional mechanical properties.
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NewsScientists design protective ‘living tattoos’ for buildings
An international research team wants to integrate selected microorganisms into façade coatings to bring building walls to life. The microorganisms are intended to protect surfaces, store CO2 and filter pollutants.
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NewsBiodiversity in Antarctic soils may be greatly underestimated after surprising discovery
Researchers have shown that previously unknown apparent mutualisms allow biodiversity to flourish to an unexpected degree in an extreme habitat: weathered debris in front of a glacier in Antarctica.
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NewsBiosynthetic pathway discoveries mean we can halve the price of costly cancer drug
Researchers have identified the enzymes responsible for the two critical final steps in the biosynthetic pathway that makes the chemotherapy drug Taxol active as a drug, potentially opening it up to biotech based production.
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NewsClimate change is turning coastal lagoons into ‘salty soup’
The impacts of human activity and climate change are coalescing to make coastal lagoons saltier, changing the microbial life they support and the function they play in their ecosystems, according to new research.
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NewsScientists develop an ink that boosts coral reef settlement by 20 times
With coral reefs in crisis due to climate change, scientists have engineered a bio-ink that could help promote coral larvae settlement and restore these underwater ecosystems before it’s too late.
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NewsResearchers develop living material from fungi
Researchers have developed a bio-based material that is completely biodegradable, but also tear-resistant and has versatile functional properties. All this with minimal processing steps and without chemicals – you can even eat it. Its secret: It’s alive.
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NewsStudy uncovers how the plastisphere can influence growth of harmful algal blooms
A new study published in Sustainable Microbiology delves into how the age and size of microplastics affects the growth of harmful algal blooms.
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NewsEngineered soil microbiomes may secure future tomato yields
New findings suggest that manipulating rhizosphere microbiomes could be a sustainable strategy to enhance crop performance in fluctuating environments, supporting the development of resilient agricultural systems.