All Sustainable Microbiology articles – Page 4
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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.
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NewsAFYREN strengthens its Executive Committee with appointment of Laurent Pou as Industrial Director
AFYREN, a greentech company offering manufacturers biobased, low-carbon ingredients through a unique fermentation technology based on a circular model, has announced the appointment of Laurent Pou as Industrial Director.
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NewsUK’s first water monitoring center launched to act as early-warning system for disease outbreaks and community health
The University of Bath is launching the UK’s first early-warning public health surveillance system based on detecting tiny traces of chemicals and biological markers found in water.
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NewsGreen recipe: Engineered yeast boosts D-lactic acid production
An optimal combination of genetic “recipe” in a yeast strain achieves high yields of D-lactic acid production from methanol, advancing eco-friendly and sustainable biomanufacturing.
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NewsAMI leaders join International Microbiome Meeting in San Diego
Leading scientists from around the world recently convened at the Center for Microbiome Innovation’s International Microbiome Meeting (CIMM) at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego.
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NewsRed coral colonies survive a decade after being transplanted in the Medes Islands
The red coral colonies that were transplanted a decade ago on the seabed of the Medes Islands have survived successfully. They are very similar to the original communities and have contributed to the recovery of the functioning of the coral reef.
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FeaturesHow microbes can detoxify heavy metal pollution in the ocean
Researchers have successfully used microbes to reduce the heavy metal toxicity of soils and wastewater through bioremediation. Could they eventually use a similar approach to target heavy metals in the ocean?