Microbial communities

Microbial Genetics: Genetic Mechanisms in Bacteria and Archaea

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Microbial genetics is a specialized field within genetics that focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, collectively referred to as microorganisms or microbes. These single-celled organisms play crucial roles in various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, symbiotic relationships, and human health. Microbial genetics explores the diversity, evolution, regulation, and … Read more

Microbial Ecology: Roles of Microorganisms in Ecosystems

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Microbial ecology is the branch of ecology that studies the interactions between microorganisms and their environment, including other organisms, abiotic factors, and biogeochemical processes. Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, play essential roles in ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and biogeochemical transformations. Understanding microbial ecology is crucial for elucidating the functioning of … Read more

Molecular Biology: Understanding Biological Processes at the Molecular Level

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Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, at the molecular level. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, methodologies, and disciplines aimed at understanding biological processes, genetic information flow, gene expression, cellular functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying life. … Read more

Study shows sunflowers recruit microbes to fight off fungal disease

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Sunflowers aren’t just beautiful symbols of summer—they are also economically significant, ranking as the fourth most important oilseed crop in the world, and new research suggests that some bacteria might help protect the crop from white-mold destruction. Sunflowers can be harvested for a number of products including seeds and oil, for which consumer demand has … Read more

DNA Structure and Function: Blueprint of Life

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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that serves as the blueprint of life, carrying the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. Its structure and function are essential components of molecular biology and genetics, providing insights into the fundamental processes that govern life on Earth. DNA Structure The … Read more

Microbiology: The World of Microscopic Organisms

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Microbiology is the branch of biology that explores the world of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These tiny life forms, invisible to the naked eye, play essential roles in ecosystems, human health, agriculture, industry, and environmental processes. Microbiology encompasses diverse areas of study, from microbial diversity and evolution to microbial ecology, … Read more

Modern buildings may harm our microbiome, study suggests

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Over the last 20 years, the life sciences have come to realize that all living beings—from the simplest animal and plant organisms to humans—live in close association with a multitude of microorganisms. Together with the multicellular host organism, these symbiotic bacteria, viruses and fungi, which colonize on and in their tissues and form the so-called … Read more

New technique utilizes biofilm formation to protect marine concrete from corrosive microbes

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Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a prevalent issue in marine environments, leading to structural damages such as cracking in concrete infrastructure. This corrosion poses a persistent challenge, significantly reducing the lifespan of marine structures and resulting in substantial economic losses. In response to the need for an effective solution to combat the marine corrosion on … Read more

New study reveals rich microbial diversity in 3.42 billion-year-old rocks

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A groundbreaking study has unveiled significant revelations about the earliest life forms ever discovered on Earth. Within rock samples extracted from Barberton, Republic of South Africa, scientists have unearthed compelling evidence of an exceptionally diverse biological carbon cycle that dates back 3.42 billion years. This groundbreaking discovery indicates that even in antiquity, ecosystems were teeming … Read more

Difference between non-resistant bacteria and drug resistant bacteria

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Non-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant bacteria represent two distinct categories based on their response to antimicrobial agents. Understanding the differences between these two types of bacteria is crucial for effective infection management, antibiotic development, and public health strategies. Let’s delve into the characteristics, mechanisms, consequences, and challenges associated with non-resistant and drug-resistant bacteria. Non-resistant bacteria, also … Read more

Concept of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and its applications

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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) stands as a revolutionary technique in molecular biology, fundamentally altering the landscape of genetic research and diagnostics. Conceived by Kary Mullis in the 1980s, PCR has become a cornerstone in DNA amplification, allowing scientists to replicate specific DNA sequences in a controlled and precise manner. Its applications span a wide array … Read more

Molecular biology

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Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of molecules that make up the essential components of living organisms. It delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and cellular signaling. At its core, molecular biology seeks to understand the molecular basis of … Read more

Biology

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Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more

The microbiome and human health

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The human microbiome, a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms residing in and on the human body, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and influencing various aspects of human physiology. Comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, the microbiome interacts with the human body in intricate ways, impacting digestion, immune function, metabolism, and even … Read more

The evolution of life on Earth

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The evolution of life on Earth is a captivating narrative that unfolds over billions of years, weaving a tale of adaptation, diversity, and interconnectedness. From the emergence of simple, single-celled organisms in ancient seas to the complex web of life that populates our planet today, the evolutionary journey is marked by extraordinary transformations and pivotal … Read more

What is virus?

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Viruses are microscopic entities that straddle the line between living and non-living. Comprising genetic material encased in a protein coat, viruses lack the cellular structure necessary for independent life. These fascinating entities are significant players in various fields, including microbiology, medicine, and biotechnology. Understanding viruses is pivotal for combating infectious diseases, advancing molecular biology, and … Read more

What is microbiology?

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Microbiology is a scientific discipline that explores the microscopic world of microorganisms, encompassing a diverse array of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This field delves into the study of their structure, function, genetics, and ecological roles. Microorganisms play crucial roles in various aspects of life, including human health, environmental processes, and industrial … Read more

Bacteria cooperate and share nutrients across generations

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When bacteria build communities, they cooperate and share nutrients across generations. Researchers at the University of Basel have been able to demonstrate this for the first time using a newly developed method. This innovative technique enables the tracking of gene expression during the development of bacterial communities over space and time. In nature, bacteria usually … Read more

Predict the behavior of microbial communities in wastewater treatment

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Microbial communities, or microbiomes, are essential for safeguarding human and environmental health through the most widely used biotechnological process on our planet: biological wastewater treatment. However, the process itself is subject to constant changes, difficult to sustain over long periods of time and emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases. There is thus an urgent need … Read more

Different flours foster different bacterial communities in sourdough, influencing aroma

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A recent study delving into the intricate microbial world of sourdough has unveiled a fascinating revelation – the choice of flour influences the distinct bacterial communities thriving within, ultimately shaping the delectable aromas and flavors of these beloved breads. Erin McKenney, the study’s corresponding author and an assistant professor of applied ecology at North Carolina … Read more