Healthy land
Land has a wide variety of uses: agricultural, residential, industrial, and recreational. Microbes play a key role in the terrestrial ecosystem, providing symbiotic relationships with plants. Human use of land has led to the exhaustion of nutrients in soils, contamination of land, and a reduction in biodiversity. Applying our knowledge of microbes will be essential in restoring the biodiversity of affected ecosystems. Greater research into how microbes impact human life on land could all have a positive impact, by increasing crop production, repurposing areas of land and improving microbial biodiversity in soil, land, and water.
News
Looking to Kenya’s Lake Victoria for what may come for Lake Erie
Scientists conducted a genetic survey on cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of Kenya’s Lake Victoria, which serves as a model for the cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanHABs) in Lake Erie under the warming climate.
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NewsShorter, smarter, safer: Short-course antibiotics can revolutionize healthcare
Researchers suggest that short-course antibiotic treatment could be the next game-changing strategy to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in various economic settings. It provides a cost-effective and practical approach that benefits both patients and the healthcare systems.
NewsA Marburg virus outbreak was confirmed in Tanzania
WHO has announced that an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania has been confirmed, with 25 suspected cases. Outbreak control measures have been established since the announcement.
NewsGlobal trust in science remains strong after pandemic
A post-pandemic global survey reveals that the general public remains to perceive scientists as trustworthy. They are also encouraged to actively engage in public communication and address the areas researches should prioritize in.
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News
Scientists uncover structure of critical component in deadly Nipah virus
Through the structural and functional study of the deadly Nipah virus, a research team has identified a crucial viral component, viral polymerase complex, within its multiplication machinery, with which a part of the enzyme could potentially serve as a therapeutic target.
NewsBacteria in polymers form cables that grow into living gels
Scientists have discovered that bacterial cells growing in a solution of polymers, such as mucus, form long cables that buckle and twist on each other, building a kind of “living Jell-O.”
NewsMachinery behind bacterial nanowires discovered
Almost all living things breathe oxygen to eliminate the excess electrons produced when nutrients are converted into energy. However, most microbes that mitigate pollution and climate change don’t have access to oxygen. Instead, these bacteria—buried underground or living deep under oceans—have developed a way to eliminate electrons by “breathing minerals” ...
NewsResearchers team with dogs to discover new truffle species
Researchers have discovered two new species of truffle. Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the ‘dog-found’ truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found.
NewsGene-edited soil bacteria could provide third source of nitrogen for corn production
If corn was ever jealous of soybean’s relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, advancements in gene editing could one day even the playing field. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from the air during early corn ...
NewsStudy takes stock of the known and unknown microbial space
Using publicly available genome sequence data generated over the past three decades, a new study assesses what fraction of the microbial diversity we know about, and proposes a path forward to curate and cultivate what is still unknown.
NewsReading the genome and understanding evolution: Symbioses and gene transfer in leaf beetles
A new study shows how repeated horizontal gene transfer and the establishment of symbioses with bacteria enabled leaf beetles to rapidly adapt to a plant-based diet, contributing to their remarkable evolutionary success.
NewsUprooting Cassava Disease: scientists identify causes of two devastating diseases
In a series of studies, researchers have established the pathogens and the first diagnostic tests for two diseases: Cassava Frogskin Disease and Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease.
NewsAntibiotic treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis found to be safe and effective in clinical trial
Two clinical trials were conducted to successfully test an oral antibiotic levofloxacin for the preventive treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
NewsPediatric investigation study examines the diagnostic potential of microbial cell-free DNA testing
A research study has found that plasma-based microbial cell-free DNA testing served as a safer and faster alternative to conventional microbiological diagnostic tests for pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections.
NewsBiorefinery innovation: Transforming waste into high-value products
A new study showcases a cutting-edge biorefinery capable of converting sewage sludge and food waste into valuable volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The research evaluates the environmental impact of this biorefinery, located in Galicia, Spain.
NewsExplainable deep learning model provides new understanding of harmful algal blooms in China’s lakes and reservoirs
Researchers have developed an advanced explainable deep learning model to predict and analyze harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes and reservoirs across China, offering insights into their underlying drivers and potential mitigation strategies.
NewsBeach guardians: How hidden microbes protect coastal waters in a changing climate
Coastal water quality is closely impacted by the microbial compositions living in groundwater within beach sands due to the rising sea level, a new study reveals.
NewsNew computer models open door to far more targeted antibiotics
A powerful computer-modelling approach has been developed to give the antibiotics a laser-like precision for targeting specific types of bacteria among specific parts of the human body.
NewsHepatitis E vaccination is effective in an epidemic
A case-control study has proved the effectiveness of the two-doses Hecolin vaccine against a potential hepatitis E outbreak.
NewsBacterial toxin offers hope to tackle soybean nematode pest
A new study reveals how genetically equipping soybean plants with bacterial toxin Cry14 could revolutionize the fight against the microscopic soybean cyst nematode. This approach has been implemented successfully to prevent SCN from feeding on soybean roots.
NewsStudy of hemp microbiomes may lead to more sustainable farming methods
A new study of hemp microbes may help scientists create special mixtures of helpful microbes to make hemp plants produce more CBD or have better-quality fibers.
NewsResearch aims for better control of widespread tomato spotted wilt virus
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have received two grants to develop better control and understanding of tomato spotted wilt virus, one of the top 10 most economically important plant viruses in the world.
NewsNew insights into Cortinarius: Novel taxa from subtropical China
Scientists have described one new section, six new species, and report one new name, one new combination, and one new record of Cortinarius from subtropical China. All new taxa are supported by phylogenetic data and morphological observations.
