This research examines how fungi in soil create special environments called fungal mats that host specific types of bacteria. These fungal-bacterial partnerships are important for soil health and ecosystem functioning. The study found that certain bacteria consistently live within these fungal mats across different locations worldwide, suggesting important relationships between fungi and bacteria in soil environments. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps understand how soil organisms contribute to plant growth and forest health • Provides insights into natural processes that maintain soil fertility • Could lead to applications in agriculture and soil management • May help develop new approaches for environmental conservation • Contributes to understanding how beneficial microorganisms interact in nature