Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David Christie, Simon P. Neill, Peter Arnold
Summary: Waves in coastal areas can be converted into electricity through wave energy converters. However, the lack of knowledge about the regional distribution and variability of wave properties is a challenge for wave energy conversion. In this study, we accurately simulated the wave climate of the Canary Islands using physics-based and non-physics-based approaches. The results showed that the annual mean wave power on the north-western coast of Lanzarote Island was about 25 kW/m. The variability of wave energy resource was relatively low, and the dominance of swell waves reduced the variability when combined with wind energy.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
I Tomasi, M. Massironi, C. M. Meyzen, R. Pozzobon, F. Sauro, L. Penasa, T. Santagata, M. Tonello, G. D. Santana Gomez, J. Martinez-Frias
Summary: The study of the lava tube system in La Corona reveals the significant role of pyroclastic layers in the development of lava tubes. The mechanical strength of the substrate, variations in paleo-surface slope, and lava physical properties also influence erosion. These findings are relevant to the understanding of extra-terrestrial lava tube systems.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura Pulido-Suarez, Jose David Flores-Felix, Noemi Socas-Perez, Jose M. Igual, Encarna Velazquez, Alvaro Peix, Milagros Leon-Barrios
Summary: Two rod-shaped Gram negative strains, SSUT16T and SSUT22, were isolated from root nodules of Spartocytisus supranubius in soils of the Teide National Park (Tenerife, Spain). The 16S rRNA gene sequences classified them as a novel species within the genus Bosea, and the MLSA analysis and genome sequence analysis further confirmed their distinctiveness. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic characterization, a new species named Bosea spartocytisi sp. nov. is proposed.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
J. Mangas, E. Perez-Chacon Espino
Summary: In this study, petrographic analysis was conducted on 50 sandy beach samples from the eastern Canary Islands to determine the composition and origin of the sand grains. The samples contained calcareous bioclasts, lithoclasts, and volcaniclasts, with variations depending on the island's building stages. Calcareous bioclasts were mainly fragments from red coralline algae and molluscs, while lithoclasts were fragments of alkaline rocks from different stages. The intraclasts consisted of fragments from coastal sedimentary rocks. The abundance of these components varied by geographic and geological factors. Overall, the proportions of bioclasts were higher than lithoclasts in La Graciosa, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, while volcaniclasts were more abundant in Gran Canaria. Trachytic-phonolitic sand grains were only found in Gran Canaria. Urban and semi-urban beaches had lower percentages of bioclasts compared to natural beaches.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Akira Akamatsu, Miwa Nagae, Yuka Nishimura, Daniela Romero Montero, Satsuki Ninomiya, Mikiko Kojima, Yumiko Takebayashi, Hitoshi Sakakibara, Masayoshi Kawaguchi, Naoya Takeda
Summary: Research shows that gibberellic acid (GA) inhibits root nodule symbiosis by regulating a negative-feedback system called autoregulation of nodulation (AON). GA signaling induces the expression of the symbiotic transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN), which activates the AON system to regulate nodule formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Longlong Wang, Jianjun Liang, Yu Zhou, Tao Tian, Baoli Zhang, Deqiang Duanmu
Summary: In this study, 13 carbonic anhydrase (CA) genes were identified in the model legume Lotus japonicus, with three of them further characterized for their expression patterns during nodule development. Knockout experiments using CRISPR/Cas9 technology showed that the knocked-out genes were not essential for nitrogen fixation under normal symbiotic conditions. The diverse expression patterns and distributions of these genes suggest their potential functions in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, awaiting further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Begona Candela-Martinez, Jose M. Martinez-Carrion, Candido Roman-Cervantes
Summary: This study analyzes the anthropometric history of military recruits in a rural municipality in the Canary Islands during the economic modernization process throughout the 20th century. The data suggests that improvements in biological well-being since the 1960s are closely related to advances in nutrition. It also shows that infant nutrition is significantly associated with economic growth and demographic and epidemiological changes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew Geary, Joseph R. Cooper, Nigel J. Collar
Summary: The African Houbara is an endangered bird species in North Africa. Its population is threatened by unsustainable hunting and the use of captive-bred birds. While a small population on the Canary Islands is protected, extensive land-use change due to tourism is a concern. A study was conducted to identify measures to conserve this important population, with a focus on the El Jable region of northern Lanzarote. The study found that houbara abundance was influenced by land use, particularly the presence of agricultural gardens, while male displays were positively correlated with the proportion of long-abandoned farmland.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Meng Liu, Hiromu Kameoka, Akiko Oda, Taro Maeda, Takashi Goto, Koji Yano, Takashi Soyano, Masayoshi Kawaguchi
Summary: Legumes form root nodules in association with rhizobia to overcome nitrogen deficiency. ERN1 is a crucial transcription factor involved in the establishment of root nodule symbiosis, regulating processes such as cell wall remodeling and signal transduction. RNA sequencing revealed 234 genes associated with ERN1, involved in cell wall remodeling, signal transduction, hormone metabolism, and transcription regulation, expanding our understanding of the role of ERN1 in root nodule symbiosis.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nestor Abreu-Acosta, Roman Pino-Vera, Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez, Oscar Afonso, Pilar Foronda
Summary: This study analyzed the presence of pathogenic bacteria in an invasive lizard population in the Canary Islands. The results showed the presence of various pathogens related to gastrointestinal diseases. As the Canary Islands are a hotspot of biodiversity, with endangered species, the presence of invasive anoles could pose a risk to public health and biodiversity conservation by spreading pathogenic bacteria to native fauna.
Article
Plant Sciences
Duncan B. Crosbie, Maryam Mahmoudi, Viviane Radl, Andreas Brachmann, Michael Schloter, Eric Kemen, Macarena Marin
Summary: Nodule microbiota, primarily consisting of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, are influenced by other non-rhizobial bacteria, which may impact root-nodule symbiosis in a plant host-specific manner.
Article
Plant Sciences
Arina Shrestha, Sihui Zhong, Jasmine Therrien, Terry Huebert, Shusei Sato, Terry Mun, Stig U. Andersen, Jens Stougaard, Agnes Lepage, Andreas Niebel, Loretta Ross, Krzysztof Szczyglowski
Summary: Legume root nodule organogenesis is initiated by the stimulation of root cells and involves the regulation of specific gene families to promote cellular differentiation and auxin signaling. The emergence of nodules is dependent on a regulatory cascade involving NF-YA1, STY genes, and downstream targets YUCCA1 and YUCCA11. These genes are important regulators of auxin signaling during the specific stage of nodule emergence in Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernando Alberquilla, Jesus Martinez-Frias, Valentin Garcia-Baonza, Rosario Lunar
Summary: The search for Terrestrial Analogues is crucial for the development of future lunar bases. This study focuses on the characterization of basalts from the Penas de Tao geosite in Lanzarote, Spain, through mineralogical, geochemical, and petrophysical analysis. The results provide valuable insights into the potential use of these basalts as analogous materials for future geological and astrobiological experiments on the Moon.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Cristina Gonzalez-Martin, Carlos J. Perez-Gonzalez, Elena Gonzalez-Toril, Francisco J. Exposito, Angeles Aguilera, Juan P. Diaz
Summary: Microorganisms, including airborne bacteria, are widespread in the environment. This study focused on airborne bacterial communities in different locations in Tenerife and found variations in composition and diversity throughout the year. Further research is needed to understand the impact of environmental factors on atmospheric microbial dispersion and its implications for ecosystems and public health.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Nestor Marrero-Rodriguez, Carolina Pena-Alonso, Levi Garcia-Romero, Maria Jose Sanchez-Garcia, Emma Perez-Chacon Espino
Summary: This study highlights how different historical land uses have generated varying social reactions regarding the ecosystem's ability to provide services. Before 1960, services such as food, fuel, raw materials, and natural hazard regulation were most socially relevant. However, changes to the island's economic model since then have increased the importance of services related to tourism promotion, citizen security, wildlife habitat preservation, and cultural heritage.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Laura Pulido-Suarez, Francisco Diaz-Pena, Jesus Notario-del Pino, Ayose Medina-Cabrera, Milagros Leon-Barrios
Summary: The study shows that herbivory and droppings of rabbits can affect the stability and diversity of the symbiosis between Spartocytisus supranubius and rhizobia in the high-mountain ecosystem of Teide National Park.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milagros Leon-Barrios, Jose-David Flores-Felix, Juan Perez-Yepez, Marta-Helena Ramirez-Bahena, Laura Pulido-Suarez, Jose M. Igual, Encarna Velazquez, Alvaro Peix
Summary: A new species, Mesorhizobium neociceri sp. nov., was identified in wild chickpeas nodulated by Mesorhizobium strains in La Palma Island, Canary archipelago. The Canarian strains showed differences in genome, fatty acid content, and phenotypic traits compared to the existing species, Mesorhizobium caraganae. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel symbiovar within the genus Mesorhizobium divergent from M. caraganae.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Salvadora Navarro-Torre, Lorena Carro, Jose Mariano Igual, Maria del Carmen Montero-Calasanz
Summary: Strain EAR8(T) is a root endophyte isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum plants collected from the Odiel marshes, Huelva (Spain) with the ability to enhance plant growth and heavy metal accumulation. It has Grampositive, aerobic and non-motile rods with specific growth conditions. Phylogenomic studies suggest that strain EAR8(T) belongs to the genus Rossellomorea and a proposed new species Rossellomorea arthrocnemi sp. nov.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Antonio Gazol, J. Julio Camarero, Jose M. Igual, Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Michele Colangelo, Cristina Valeriano
Summary: This study compares tree populations forming the distribution limits of mountain pine in northeastern Spain. The results show that tree growth is influenced by climate and soil properties. There are marked differences in leaf traits and growth response to climate between treeline and rearedge sites. The soil microbiota in treelines is dominated by bacteria, while in forests it is dominated by fungi.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Antonio Gazol, Jose Ignacio Querejeta, Jose M. Igual, Michele Colangelo, Raul Sanchez-Salguero, Juan Carlos Linares, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms driving silver fir dieback and highlights the need to incorporate tree nutrition into forest dieback studies.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ivana Rajnovic, Martha-Helena Ramirez-Bahena, Sanja Kajic, Jose M. Igual, Alvaro Peix, Encarna Velazquez, Sanja Sikora
Summary: This study identified a symbiotic relationship between nodulated legume and strains of genus Rhizobium in Croatia. The analysis revealed that these strains are closely related to species from the Rhizobium leguminosarum phylogenetic complex. Based on genetic and phenotypic analyses, two novel species within the genus Rhizobium were proposed and named Rhizobium croatiense and Rhizobium redzepovicii.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Navarro-Perea, Yolanda Pueyo, David Moret, Angel Valverde, Jose Mariano Igual, Concepcion L. Alados
Summary: Livestock grazing has significant impacts on ecosystem functioning. Overgrazing can result in ecosystem degradation, while moderate grazing can maintain optimal ecosystem features and prevent degradation.
ARID LAND RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura Pulido-Suarez, Jose David Flores-Felix, Noemi Socas-Perez, Jose M. Igual, Encarna Velazquez, Alvaro Peix, Milagros Leon-Barrios
Summary: Two rod-shaped Gram negative strains, SSUT16T and SSUT22, were isolated from root nodules of Spartocytisus supranubius in soils of the Teide National Park (Tenerife, Spain). The 16S rRNA gene sequences classified them as a novel species within the genus Bosea, and the MLSA analysis and genome sequence analysis further confirmed their distinctiveness. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic characterization, a new species named Bosea spartocytisi sp. nov. is proposed.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Jesus Julio Camarero, Antonio Gazol, Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Cristina Valeriano, Jose M. Igual, Jesus Causape
Summary: Intensive livestock management can cause nitrogen pollution in water bodies, but the impact of manure application on agroforestry systems is not well understood. This study assessed how pig manure affects tree growth and the nitrogen cycle in two commonly planted tree species. The results showed that fertilized trees had higher soil nutrient concentrations but lower soil microbial biomass. Pine trees showed similar growth between fertilized and non-fertilized trees, while almond trees showed lower growth when fertilized. Leaf nitrogen concentrations decreased, but wood nitrogen isotopes increased in trees subjected to pig manure application. This suggests that pig manure alters nitrogen cycling in both soil and trees.
Article
Microbiology
Rocio Roca-Couso, Jose David Flores-Felix, Jose M. Igual, Paula Garcia-Fraile, Encarna Velazquez, Raal Rivas
Summary: Strain CRRU44(T) was isolated from the stems of Rubus ulmifolius plants growing in Salamanca, Spain. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses revealed that strain CRRU44(T) represents a novel species and genus within the family Rhizobiaceae, distinct from other genera in the family. The name Ferranicluibacter rubi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed for this new genus and species, with strain CRRU44(T) designated as the type strain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Gaston Azziz, Cristina Frade, Jose M. Igual, Amabelia del Pino, Felipe Lezama, Angel Valverde
Summary: Natural grasslands in South America are important for livestock grazing, and legume overseeding and P fertilization are commonly used to enhance productivity. However, the effects of this management on soil microbial communities are unclear. This study analyzed the impact of Lotus subbiflorus overseeding and P fertilization on soil microbial community diversity and activity in the Uruguayan Pampa region. The results showed that plant communities differed between natural grassland paddocks and managed paddocks, but microbial biomass, respiration, and diversity were not significantly affected. However, the structure of bacterial and fungal communities were correlated with plant communities, and AM Fungi abundance and enzyme activities were significantly affected.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Pulido-Suarez, Jesu Notario del Pino, Francisco J. Diaz-Pena, Adolfo Perdomo-Gonzalez, agueda M. Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Milagros Leon-Barrios
Summary: This study describes the diversity of rhizobia that can nodulate Spartanocytisus supranubius in the harsh environment of Teide National Park. Phylogenetic analysis showed a high diversity of Bradyrhizobium species and symbiovars capable of nodulating this legume.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adolfo Perdomo-Gonzalez, Raquel Perez-Reveron, Marta Goberna, Milagros Leon-Barrios, Manuel Fernandez-Lopez, Pablo J. Villadas, Alfredo Reyes-Betancort, Francisco J. Diaz-Pena
Summary: This study evaluates the long-term effects of exotic species revegetation on soil properties and microbial communities in an arid island. The results indicate that while reforestation prevents further soil degradation, it also leads to relevant changes in soil microbial community, which may negatively impact ecosystem stability.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
