environmental microbiology

Neobacillus terrisolis sp. nov. and Neobacillus solisequens sp. nov. Isolated from Soil

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Scientists discovered two new species of bacteria in soil from a heavy metal smelting plant in China and named them Neobacillus terrisolis and Neobacillus solisequens. These bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide, which helps capture and remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated soil. The research shows these microbes could be useful for cleaning up polluted environments through natural biological processes rather than expensive chemical treatments.

Shotgun metagenomics analysis indicates Bradyrhizobium spp. as the predominant genera for heavy metal resistance and bioremediation in a long-term heavy metal-contaminated ecosystem

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Scientists collected soil samples from a contaminated nuclear facility and used advanced DNA sequencing techniques to identify which bacteria live in the polluted soil. They found that a bacterium called Bradyrhizobium dominates the soil and appears to be naturally resistant to heavy metals like uranium and nickel. This suggests that this specific bacterium could be used to help clean up and restore contaminated environments.

Plastic-Microbial BioRemediation DB: A Curated Database for Multi-Omics Applications

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Scientists have created a new database called Plastic-MBR that catalogs bacteria capable of breaking down plastic waste. Using computer analysis of genetic information from soil and river samples, researchers identified numerous bacterial species and enzymes that could potentially help eliminate plastic pollution. This database serves as a starting point for selecting promising bacteria that could be tested in laboratories and eventually used to develop practical plastic-cleaning solutions for contaminated environments.

Screening, identification, metabolic pathway of di-n-butyl phthalate degrading Priestia megaterium P-7 isolated from long-term film mulched cotton field soil in Xinjiang

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This research identifies a special bacterium called Priestia megaterium P-7 that can efficiently break down di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a harmful plastic chemical that accumulates in cotton field soils. Scientists found that this bacterium can completely remove DBP from contaminated soil within 20 hours under optimal conditions. By studying the bacterium’s genes and metabolism, they discovered the specific enzymes and pathways it uses to degrade DBP into harmless compounds. This finding offers a practical biological solution for cleaning up contaminated agricultural soils, particularly in Xinjiang where plastic film mulching is widely used in cotton farming.

Increased Dissemination of Aflatoxin- and Zearalenone-Producing Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. during Wet Season via Houseflies on Dairy Farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico

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This study found that during rainy seasons on Mexican dairy farms, houseflies carry more mold spores that produce harmful toxins called aflatoxins and zearalenone. These toxins contaminate cattle feed and milk, posing health risks to both animals and humans. The research shows that controlling houseflies during wet seasons is crucial to reduce toxic mold contamination of dairy products and animal feed.

Enhanced MICP for Soil Improvement and Heavy Metal Remediation: Insights from Landfill Leachate-Derived Ureolytic Bacterial Consortium

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Researchers used naturally-occurring bacteria from landfill waste liquid to create a sustainable method for cleaning contaminated soil and removing heavy metals like cadmium and nickel. The bacteria produce calcium carbonate (a mineral similar to limestone) which strengthens soil and traps pollutants. This biological approach is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and more effective than traditional chemical cleaning methods, making it promising for treating contaminated sites worldwide.

Temperature and Geographic Location Impact the Distribution and Diversity of Photoautotrophic Gene Variants in Alkaline Yellowstone Hot Springs

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Scientists studied bacteria that use sunlight to survive in extremely hot alkaline springs in Yellowstone National Park. They found that the location of the spring matters more than temperature in determining which types of bacteria live there, especially for the heat-loving bacteria called Chloroflexi. The study revealed these bacteria have various genes for capturing energy from light and fixing nitrogen and carbon, making them important players in these extreme environments.

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungi living in sand and water along Persian Gulf beaches to understand potential health risks for swimmers. They found that fungal species, particularly Aspergillus terreus, were abundant in beach sand, with some fungi showing resistance to common antifungal medicines. The study suggests beaches need better monitoring and sanitation practices to protect public health, especially during busy bathing seasons when many visitors enjoy the coast.

Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

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Researchers in South Africa discovered three previously unknown fungi that can break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene used in shopping bags. These fungi were isolated from landfill soils and showed the ability to degrade plastic strips through oxidative processes, with chemical changes detectable using advanced analysis techniques. This discovery offers hope for developing local, biologically-based solutions to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

Diurnal Release of Airborne Pathogen Spores in Greenhouses via the Synergistic Effects of Relative Humidity and Wind

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In greenhouses, cucumber and vegetable diseases spread explosively due to the combined effects of changing humidity and wind. This research reveals that when humidity drops during the day, fungal spores shrink and detach from diseased leaves through jerking movements. Even gentle wind can carry these detached spores to healthy nearby plants, causing rapid disease spread. By understanding this mechanism, farmers can implement better disease control by managing humidity and ventilation strategically.

Research Keyword: environmental microbiology