While thousands of species of fungi and bacteria dwell on — and within — the forest floor, who’s recycling the plant biomass? [Read More]

The CheckV tool helps researchers to assess the completeness of virus genome sequences and complements a community effort to develop guidelines and best practices for defining virus data quality. [Read More]

By bringing together publicly available algal genomes into one place, PhycoCosm allows users to easily compile data that answers what genes are present in which organisms, when are they expressed, and what they do. [Read More]

Maize produces a family of compounds that protects it against infections — using surprisingly few enzymes. The Science Maize (Zea mays) produces a plethora of antibiotics called zealexins. Even though scientists have identified at least 15 zealexins, they suspect there are even more to find. Zealexins are produced in every corn variety and protect maize… [Read More]

Comparing 135 fungal genome sequences, researchers looked at how multiple forest fungi have independently evolved to establish symbiotic relationships with plants, and particularly how fungi that feed on decaying plant matter have transitioned to the symbiotic lifestyle. [Read More]

The reference genome for Miscanthus sinensis, and the associated genomic tools, allows Miscanthus to both inform and benefit from breeding programs of related candidate bioenergy feedstock crops such as sugarcane and sorghum. [Read More]

Scientists have used sequencing methods to comprehensively characterize viral-host interactions in a microbial mat for the first time. [Read More]

Light-harvesting bacteria (phototrophs) in Antarctica’s Ace Lake defy the norm when it comes to nutrient cycling in polar regions. [Read More]

Scientists have developed a more nuanced library approach for fine-tuning gene expression in metabolic pathways in metabolic pathways. [Read More]