When “The Blob” Made It Hotter Under the Water
With genomic samples collected before, during and after The Blob, researchers developed a preliminary model of how marine microbial communities are affected by warming events. [Read More]
The Case for Conservation
High-quality reference genome sequences of the male and female fire moss plants are now available, and lessons from their sex chromosomes could help improve crop yields. [Read More]
Plotting a Model for Virus-Host Warfare Deep Below Ground
Researchers describe how viruses repeatedly attempt to infect and destroy their hosts – and how the microbes resist. [Read More]
A Natural Mechanism Can Turbocharge Viral Evolution
A genetic element that enables rapid, targeted mutation is surprisingly widespread and appears to allow viruses to hunt new microbial prey. [Read More]
Refining the Process of Identifying Algae Biotechnology Candidates
A collaborative approach highlights how a screening and characterization pipeline could help accelerate algae biotechnology research efforts. [Read More]
Bacteria and Fungi Divvy Up the Work in Forest Floor
While thousands of species of fungi and bacteria dwell on — and within — the forest floor, who’s recycling the plant biomass? [Read More]
Gut Fungi: Unexpected Source of Novel Chemicals
Combing through the genomes of four anaerobic fungal species has revealed, for the first time, that this group is unexpectedly powerful: they can whip up dozens of complex natural products, including new ones. [Read More]
An Automated Tool for Assessing Virus Data Quality
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]
A One-Stop Shop for Analyzing Algal Genomes
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]
How Maize Makes An Antibiotic Cocktail
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]
