From Science Daily, the view that allopatric speciation is the major force for speciation in the oceans is turned upside down. In an esoteric examination of fossilized foraminifera researchers found that barriers were not a factor in the plankton’s spread and diversification. But rather climate and nutrients were indicators of its colonizing an area.
From Eureka Alert, A bacterial phage has been found in Iceland that can be used as a viral nanoparticle. Because of the way viruses work, they are ideal for self-assembly of materials.
Quote: “Future applications may be found in liquid crystal assembly, nanoscale templating, nanoelectronic and biomedical applications.” said Dr Dave Evans of the John Innes Centre.
A recent study of Vetiver grass, used in perfume and cosmetics has an associated bacteria that helps create different properties in the essential oil the grass produces. The grass produces base oil that various types of bacteria metabolize the create the different smells and tastes in the oil.
From Physorg.com, an experiment done in Israel looked at how bacteria adapted to temperature differences. The bacteria under higher temperature increased the amount of heat-tolerant fatty acids in the cell membrane
On a personal note I was let go from DLD.
From Physorg.com, a study of river systems from across the US looks as how these systems filter nitrogen. How it’s done is by denitrogenzing bacteria taking nitrates from the water and creating nitrogen gas. And the amount of nitrates in the water is related to the amount made into gas. This relates to algal blooms that is harmful to humans and create dead zones in the ocean.
International Rivers, a NGO, is having action for rivers, today and tomorrow.
From Physorg.com, so the American Academy of Microbiology has a report outlining the need for increased research into what microbes are out there. Since we only know an infinitesimal number of microbes and know a even smaller amount very well(having mapped their genomes or have been using them in the lab), this seems like a no brainer. NASA is looking for microbes in the lakes of the Antarctic.
From Physorg.com, an example of biogeochemistry where microorganisms contribute to the deposition of sediments. Looking at Angel Terrace in Yellowstone National Park, the rate of precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was reduced when there was not microbes. So depending on the layers of limestone, the age of the rock can be determined. Also, the microbes seem to create a pattern in the calcium carbonate crystals.
From Telegraph.co.uk, a study where men who ate chocolate every day and those who did not. Differences in metabolites indicate that there are differences in the microfauna of the two groups. This has me thinking about quorum sensing in bacteria and how this might effect our cells.
From Physorg.com, The shell of diatoms have an iridescent property that can make cleaner, shiner colors. The idea of diatom farming has a certain appeal to me.
from Physorg.com, the sequencing of a species of fruit fly turned up something quite interesting. The DNA of Wolbachia that had been incorporated into the fruit fly’s DNA. Also this DNA is trans-scribed to make proteins. Now two things have to be considered: One, that bacterial “contamination” maybe part of the organism’s DNA. Two, how does this integrated DNA function in the host’s cell? And how does this influence evolution?