microbiology

The single-celled organism Lacrymaria olor uses one of the most curious hunting techniques of all. Its oval-shaped body measures around 40 micrometers and has a small protrusion at the end. When it detects food, it stretches this “neck” out to around 30 times its own body length within seconds in order to grab prey that is far…

Fifteen years ago, scientists discovered a new species of deadly, drug-resistant fungus: Candida auris. It is now considered one of the most dangerous fungal pathogens on Earth. In this excerpt from "What if Fungi Win?" (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024), author Arturo Casadevall looks at the rise of this deadly fungus, which could be the…

A rich microbial "biosphere" lies buried 13 feet (4 meters) beneath the scorched surface of Chile's Atacama Desert, new research has found. The hidden world of bacteria is one of the deepest found in Atacama soils and could inform the search for life on Mars.Microbial life has previously been recorded down to depths of 2.6…

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists uncovered the first known structure in complex cells that's capable of drawing nitrogen from the atmosphere and converting it into a form that the cell can use.They've dubbed the newfound cell part the "nitroplast." And according to two recent studies, the researchers think it likely evolved 100 million years ago.The…

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists uncovered the first known structure in complex cells that's capable of drawing nitrogen from the atmosphere and converting it into a form that the cell can use.They've dubbed the newfound cell part the "nitroplast." And according to two recent studies, the researchers think it likely evolved 100 million years ago.The…

Enlarge / It's tough to precisely determine cause of death in a corpse. Microbes found on decomposing flesh can help. Establishing a precise time of death (the postmortem interval, or PMI) upon discovery of a corpse is notoriously challenging, however easy fictional medical examiners might make it seem. Some forensic scientists use the life cycle…

The Yucatán Peninsula's underwater caves cover over 900 miles.Its cenotes, or sinkholes, are an important drinking water resource for the region.Researchers mapped unique communities of microbes in a dozen areas of the cave system. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.…

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered what’s been called a “global garden boom,” there has been a renewed interest in various methods and strategies for improving growing conditions for houseplants and outdoor gardens alike. One example of this is “sterilizing” soil. It makes sense that this preparation technique took off when people were…

Photo: Andrey_Popov (Shutterstock)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to stop issuing and using EzriCare Artificial Tears while they investigate dozens of bacterial infections that have left three people permanently blind and one dead, according to NBC News. The infections are potentially linked to the over-the-counter eyedrops, according to the CDC’s…

Enlarge / Certain species of beetle have evolved unusual "back pockets" to safely house symbiotic bacteria during metamorphosis—the only known instance of this among insects. Certain species of beetle have evolved unusual "back pockets" to safely house symbiotic bacteria during metamorphosis—the only known instance of this among insects. It's part of a mutually beneficial arrangement,…