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.
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Corner-loving single-celled microorganism uses geometry to sense its world
A surprising observation in the lab has revealed a remarkable ability in Stentor coeruleus, a single-celled organism about one millimeter long. Sometimes nicknamed the “platypus” of microorganisms for its trumpet-like shape, this tiny creature appears to have a distinct preference for corners.
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NewsBacteria incorporate forever chemicals into cell membrane molecules
New research shows that bacteria incorporate polyfluoroalkyl carboxylates—a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)—into the molecules that make up their cell membranes.
NewsMicroscopic coils and coffee trees lead to an amazing new fungal discovery
A new study has revealed two novel species of Neohelicomyces fungi: Neohelicomyces coffeae and Neohelicomyces puerensis. While studying the fungi that live on Coffea arabica, researchers spotted these unique organisms growing on dead coffee branches.
NewsFungi hold the key to boosting urban soil health with biochar and compost
A new study reveals that combining biochar and compost can restore soil health in urban green spaces, but only under the right conditions, and fungi play a decisive role in determining success.
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A world within the leaves: Sign up for our fascinating free webinar
A single tree can harbour hundreds of species - yet few people will realise that some of those species live within the very leaves themselves. A fascinating free webinar will explore the fascinating world of fungal communities that live inside leaves.
NewsNew strategy to break resistance-yield trade-off in rice by pathogen-inducible gene expression
A research team has developed a genetic strategy to enhance broad-spectrum disease resistance in rice without compromising plant growth and yield, a major challenge in crop breeding.
NewsNitrogen addition reshapes forest microbes: A five-year insight into community dynamics
A new study reveals how long-term nitrogen enrichment influences soil bacterial communities and network stability, with surprising insights into ecological processes and dissolved organic matter’s critical role.
NewsBiochar triggers long-term soil recovery by reshaping microbes and metabolism
A five-year field study reveals that biochar can do far more than improve soil chemistry. It can reorganize entire soil ecosystems, creating lasting benefits for agriculture and environmental sustainability.
NewsScientists reveal the potential of a tiny soil bacterium to beat the Haber-Bosch process
A new review finds that biological ammonia production offers strong potential as a cleaner, greener alternative to the costly Haber-Bosch process. Microbes such as Azotobacter can produce ammonia under ambient conditions and atmospheric pressure.
NewsHow gossiping mushroom networks share your public urination secrets
Researchers showed evidence of electrical information flow across mushrooms by attaching electrodes to 37 mushrooms of ectomycorrhizal fungi, then measured the response to various applications of either water or urine.
NewsMillions-of-years-old insect symbioses are surprisingly fragile
An introduced bacterium displaces the sawtoothed grain beetle’s symbiotic partner, leading to the complete collapse of a previously stable symbiosis within a few generations.
NewsOregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits
In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives.
NewsBiochar offers climate-smart pathway to healthier soils and safer tea production
A new scientific review highlights how biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass, could transform tea farming by restoring soil health, reducing pollution risks, and improving both yield and quality.
NewsSalty soils slow biochar aging but limit beneficial microbes, study finds
A new study reveals that increasing soil salinity can significantly slow the aging of biochar, a widely used soil amendment, while also suppressing the microbial communities that help drive its environmental benefits.
NewsEngineered enzyme breakthrough offers sustainable solution for polyurethane plastic recycling
A research team has elucidated, for the first time, the catalytic mechanism by which the esterase Aes72 hydrolyzes urethane bonds in polyurethane (PU), and by engineering the enzyme to further enhance its catalytic efficiency.
NewsTurning algae waste into powerful filters: New biochar membranes clean wastewater more efficiently
A new study has developed a sustainable filtration technology that transforms microalgae waste into high-performance membranes capable of removing pollutants and bacteria from wastewater. The innovation could offer a greener and more efficient solution for municipal water treatment.
NewsWastewater harbors high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes
Researchers found evidence of genetic material from two major bacterial groups, commonly known to exhibit high-risk resistance profiles, in wastewater samples from a large South Africa city.
NewsBiochar–microbe partnership unlocks soil phosphorus and boosts tomato yields
A new study reveals that combining biochar with beneficial soil bacteria can significantly improve phosphorus availability, reshape plant development, and increase crop yields in greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes.
NewsHow plants fight back against bacteria that promote waterlogging in leaves
Researchers clarify a humidity-driven plant defense against bacteria that limits water buildup, with potential implications for future crop protection strategies.
NewsBiochar from peanut shells boosts soil health and crop quality over the long term
A long-term field study across major agricultural regions in China has revealed that biochar made from peanut shells can significantly improve soil fertility and enhance crop quality by reshaping soil microbial communities.
NewsRobotics meets genetics: Joining forces to explore Fusarium
Two research groups are bringing together two complementary scientific approaches to discover new antifungal agents – targeting Fusarium, but also those derived from Fusarium.
NewsInto the fungal unknown: New tool maps fungal gene functions without reference genomes
Researchers have created a fungal-specific workflow that supports downstream functional analysis regardless of whether a reference genome is available.
NewsStopping algae blooms with bacteria-busting buoys
Algae blooms make a pond’s surface shine in mesmerizing green hues. But if the microorganisms responsible are cyanobacteria, they can also release toxins that harm humans and wildlife alike. So, a team reporting in ACS ES&T Water has designed a “set it and forget it” system for distributing algaecide using ...