Research Keyword: microbial community composition

Metagenomic Analysis: Alterations of Soil Microbial Community and Function due to the Disturbance of Collecting Cordyceps sinensis

This research examines how harvesting Cordyceps sinensis (a valuable medicinal fungus) affects the soil’s microscopic organisms on the Tibetan Plateau. While collection doesn’t reduce the total number of microbes, it significantly changes which types live in the soil and how they function. The study found that collection alters important soil processes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, suggesting that harvesting practices need to balance economic benefits with environmental health.

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In vitro fermentation characteristics and prebiotic activity of herbal polysaccharides: a review

This review explores how plant-based polysaccharides from traditional herbs can benefit our health by feeding good bacteria in our gut. When these polysaccharides are fermented by our gut microbiota, they break down into smaller compounds that produce short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. The research shows that different herbs have different structures that are recognized by specific beneficial bacteria, which suggests we can develop personalized functional foods tailored to promote specific health benefits.

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Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

Fairy ring fungi create circular patterns in grasslands by forming dense underground networks that dramatically change soil properties and plant communities. The study found that these fungal rings reduce plant diversity by 40% at their advancing edge while boosting grass growth inside the ring, creating a stark ecological shift. The fungi produce calcium oxalate crystals that make soil very water-repellent, causing nearby plants to dry out and die. This research shows how a single fungus species can reshape entire ecosystems through physical and chemical changes in the soil.

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Arbuscular mycorrhiza suppresses microbial abundance, and particularly that of ammonia oxidizing bacteria, in agricultural soils

This study examined how a common soil fungus called arbuscular mycorrhiza affects bacteria and archaea that process ammonia in agricultural soils. Using 50 different soils from the Czech Republic, researchers found that the fungus suppresses ammonia-oxidizing bacteria but not archaea. Interestingly, the fungus actually increased ammonia levels in soil rather than depleting them, suggesting the suppression works through mechanisms beyond simple competition for nutrients.

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Development of a consortium-based microbial agent beneficial to composting of distilled grain waste for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation

Scientists developed a special mix of five beneficial bacteria found in grain waste composting to speed up the process of preparing grain waste as growing substrate for oyster mushrooms. This microbial treatment made the composting hotter and faster, allowing oyster mushroom roots to grow quicker on the substrate. While the final mushroom harvest was similar in quantity, using this microbial treatment allowed farmers to harvest mushrooms about a week earlier. This method offers a practical way to recycle grain waste into valuable mushroom crops.

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Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

Fusarium fungi cause major crop diseases by using a protein called Fg12 that kills helpful bacteria in plant roots, making it easier for the fungus to infect crops. Scientists discovered that a compound called GMP blocks Fg12’s harmful activity and restores beneficial bacteria, reducing disease symptoms in soybeans and alfalfa by 47-75%. This discovery offers a new chemical strategy to protect crops from fungal infections by disarming this key fungal weapon.

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Warming and Reduced Rainfall Alter Fungal Necromass Decomposition Rates and Associated Microbial Community Composition and Functioning at a Temperate–Boreal Forest Ecotone

When soil gets warmer and drier due to climate change, dead fungal biomass breaks down faster at first but slower overall compared to normal conditions. The microorganisms that decompose this fungal material change their composition and abilities depending on how long the decomposition has been happening. This study shows that climate change affects soil carbon cycling in complex ways that depend on timing and environmental conditions.

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Microbial communities inhabiting the surface and gleba of white (Tuber magnatum) and black (Tuber macrosporum) truffles from Russia

This research identifies the various microorganisms living inside truffles, particularly Tuber magnatum (white truffle) and Tuber macrosporum (black truffle). The study found that a yeast-like fungus called Geotrichum consistently lives in both truffle types and likely helps with spore dispersal through smell-producing compounds. The researchers discovered that different parts of the truffle have different microbial communities, which explains why truffles have such unique flavors and aromas.

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Warming and Reduced Rainfall Alter Fungal Necromass Decomposition Rates and Associated Microbial Community Composition and Functioning at a Temperate–Boreal Forest Ecotone

Scientists studied how climate change affects the breakdown of dead fungal material in forest soils. They found that warmer temperatures and less rainfall initially speed up decomposition in the first two weeks, but then slow it down later. The microbial communities eating the dead fungi also changed over time, with different bacteria and fungi becoming dominant depending on soil moisture and temperature conditions.

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