Article
Environmental Sciences
Williane Vieira Macedo, Jan Struckmann Poulsen, Marcelo Zaiat, Jeppe Lund Nielsen
Summary: By combining protein-SIP technology with metagenomics, this study identified TBBPA-degrading microorganisms and revealed the degradation pathways, providing an important link for optimizing biodegradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Geiskopf, A. Valdenaire, M. Stoffel, X. Devaux, E. Andre, C. Carteret, A. Bouche, M. Vergnat, H. Rinnert
Summary: In this study, the structural and vibrational properties of Si:P thin films obtained through co-evaporation of silicon and phosphorus were investigated. Orthorhombic SiP phase was identified through Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The coexistence of Si and SiP regions in the films was confirmed using a combination of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xing Xie, Junnan Ding, Biao Wu, Haihong Zheng, Shaofei Li, Chang-Tian Wang, Jun He, Zongwen Liu, Jian-Tao Wang, Ji-an Duan, Yanping Liu
Summary: We report the anisotropic behavior of excitons and linear dichroism transition of absorption in layered silicon phosphide (SiP) through polarization photoluminescence (PL) and absorbance spectra. SiP exhibits high absorption linear dichroism ratio, showing its brilliant non-isotropic responses. The periodic variation of A(1) and A(2) Raman modes in 2D SiP materials allows for crystal orientation determination. The presence of indirect excitons with phonon sidebands in temperature-dependent PL spectra exhibits non-monotonic energy shifts, attributed to enhanced electron-phonon interaction and thermal expansion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weihua Kang, Yutian Xiao, Wei Li, Aoqi Cheng, Congyu Cheng, Zhongjun Jia, Longjiang Yu
Summary: This study investigates the carbon fixation capacity of karst wetland soils and the active microorganisms involved in the process. The results show that paddy cultivation can restore the carbon fixation capacity of microorganisms in degraded karst wetland soil.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadieh de Jonge, Jan Struckmann Poulsen, Nathalia Thygesen Vechi, Michael Vedel Wegener Kofoed, Jeppe Lund Nielsen
Summary: Biogas production from organic waste has the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable energy production through waste-to-energy technology. In this study, metagenome-resolved protein stable isotope probing was used to gain insight into microbial activities during CO2-reduction in biomethanation reactors. The findings deepen our understanding of microbial communities in biomethanation systems and contribute to the development of better strategies for biogas upgrading and microbial management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
E. Zibulski, N. Klitzsch
Summary: Spectral induced polarization (SIP) laboratory measurements show that the electrical polarization strength of water-saturated rocks is strongly correlated with the inner surface area of rocks. This study investigates the influence of inner surface roughness on the SIP response by simulating micro-scale rock models. The results indicate that surface roughness affects the position and magnitude of the primary relaxation frequency, and also leads to the formation of secondary polarizations above the polarization frequency of the primary polarization. The study concludes that the SIP method has the potential to detect inner surface roughness in real rocks, but cannot differentiate between rough particles and a distribution of smooth particles.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Maryam Ataeian, Yihua Liu, Angela Kouris, Alyse K. Hawley, Marc Strous
Summary: The study characterized a cyanobacterial consortium enriched from microbial mats in alkaline soda lakes in BC, Canada, grown successfully for 4 years under high alkalinity conditions. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and metaproteomics, the consortium's stability was determined, showing tight carbon transfer from cyanobacteria to heterotrophic populations.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jean Armengaud
Summary: Microbial communities have attracted much attention due to their roles and numerous applications in the medical, environmental, and biotechnological fields. However, studying these communities is challenging due to their diversity and complexity. Metaproteomics, a method based on protein identification and quantification, is gaining momentum in microbiome and holobiont research, and holds great potential in providing a comprehensive understanding of microbial communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Martin Taubert, Will A. Overholt, Beatrix M. Heinze, Georgette Azemtsop Matanfack, Rola Houhou, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Petra Roesch, Juergen Popp, Kirsten Kuesel
Summary: Using Stable Isotope Cluster Analysis, it was found that mixotrophs, rather than strict autotrophs, were the most abundant active organisms in groundwater microcosms. These mixotrophs employ different strategies to satisfy their carbon requirements, providing fitness under nutrient-limited conditions.
Article
Soil Science
Chang Yin, Che Tan, Hao Chen, Mujun Ye, Xiaoping Fan, Wanning Zheng, Zixiang Gao, Hongyun Peng, Yongchao Liang
Summary: Interspecific competition and niche differentiation between ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) were investigated using network-oriented microcosm incubation and stable isotope probing (SIP). The results showed that both competition and tight connections with nitrogen-cycling microorganisms contribute to the niche partitioning between AOA and AOB.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qiaohui Zhong, Jianying Qi, Juan Liu, Jin Wang, Ke Lin, Qi'en Ouyang, Xian Zhang, Xudong Wei, Tangfu Xiao, Ali El-Naggar, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: This review summarizes the sources, characteristics and tracing methods of thallium pollution in the environment, and proposes further research directions and possible limitations for the application of thallium isotopes in environmental contamination.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Urszula Klekotka, Elzbieta Zambrzycka-Szelewa, Dariusz Satula, Beata Kalska-Szostko
Summary: The study reports good stability of magnetite nanoparticles in the tested environmental solutions, making them suitable for applications such as detectors. However, their long-term stability may pose a hazard to living organisms.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Snezana Dragovic
Summary: This study provides an overview of the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in environmental radioactivity research, focusing on identification and quantification of radionuclides, migration prediction, distribution mapping, measurement methodology optimization, process monitoring, and real-time data analysis. The performance of ANNs is evaluated, and key factors in model optimization are identified. Strategies and methods for improving ANN performance are analyzed, and future research directions are proposed.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew Buxton, Eleni Matechou, Jim Griffin, Alex Diana, Richard A. Griffiths
Summary: The use of indirect survey methods such as environmental DNA in ecological surveys poses risks of false negative and false positive detections. Replication of samples can improve parameter estimates and reduce bias in both occupancy and detectability.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haoqian Liang, Isaiah J. Lopez, Marina Sanchez-Hidalgo, Olga Genilloud, Wilfred A. van der Donk
Summary: In this study, the in vitro biosynthesis process of class V lanthipeptide cacaoidin was reconstituted, and a novel dehydration enzyme CaoK and effector protein CaoY were discovered to play critical roles. Through mutagenesis studies and structure prediction, the importance of hydrophobic interactions in enzyme-substrate recognition was revealed.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marc Tamisier, Matthias Schmidt, Carsten Vogt, Steffen Kuemmel, Hryhoriy Stryhanyuk, Niculina Musat, Hans-Hermann Richnow, Florin Musat
Summary: The research focused on the stable carbon and hydrogen isotope effects associated with methane formation by the corrosive archaeon Methanobacterium strain IM1 during growth with hydrogen and iron. The growth resulted in methane with depleted C-13 values, while H-2 values were less impacted by growth phase. The corrosion crusts formed were composed of siderite, calcite, and iron sulfide, with attached cells found on crust surfaces and deep inside crust domes.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Martin Taubert, Will A. Overholt, Beatrix M. Heinze, Georgette Azemtsop Matanfack, Rola Houhou, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Petra Roesch, Juergen Popp, Kirsten Kuesel
Summary: Using Stable Isotope Cluster Analysis, it was found that mixotrophs, rather than strict autotrophs, were the most abundant active organisms in groundwater microcosms. These mixotrophs employ different strategies to satisfy their carbon requirements, providing fitness under nutrient-limited conditions.
Article
Cell Biology
Iris Grosjean, Barnabe Romeo, Marie-Angela Domdom, Amine Belaid, Gregoire D'Andrea, Nicolas Guillot, Romain K. Gherardi, Jocelyn Gal, Gerard Milano, Charles Hugo Marquette, Rayjean J. Hung, Maria Teresa Landi, Younghun Han, Patrick Brest, Martin Von Bergen, Daniel J. Klionsky, Christopher I. Amos, Paul Hofman, Baharia Mograbi
Summary: In the face of the global impact of complex diseases, it is crucial that we increase our understanding of their underlying causes and the role of environmental factors. This study provides a comprehensive autophagy genomic resource, identifying specific gene variations associated with various diseases. This research has implications for the future development of precision medicine.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Schaffert, Isabel Karkossa, Elke Ueberham, Rita Schlichting, Katharina Walter, Josi Arnold, Matthias Blueher, John T. Heiker, Joerg Lehmann, Martin Wabitsch, Beate I. Escher, Martin von Bergen, Kristin Schubert
Summary: Metabolites of plasticizers such as DINCH, DINP, and DPHP showed high adipogenic potential in human adipocytes and affected the functionality of mature adipocytes.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lea S. S. Lentz, Annika J. J. Stutz, Nicole Meyer, Kristin Schubert, Isabel Karkossa, Martin von Bergen, Ana C. C. Zenclussen, Anne Schumacher
Summary: Maintaining a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses is crucial for maternal tolerance of the fetus during pregnancy. This study found that fetal tissue-derived factor human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can increase the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs), inhibit the differentiation of proinflammatory Th17 cells, and mitigate the negative effects of proinflammatory Th17 cells on pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kristian Jensen Pedersen, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Katerina Zizalova, Alina Viehof, Thomas Clavel, Martin Lenicek, Beatrice Engelmann, Lukas Y. Wick, Frank G. Schaap, Nico Jehmlich, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Martin von Bergen
Summary: Bile acids play a crucial role in lipid uptake and gut-microbiome composition. This study reveals the molecular details of the interaction between bile acid modifying bacteria and other strains, highlighting the influence of co-culturing on bacterial functionality.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Zhang, Marina Toplak, Raspudin Saleem-Batcha, Lars Hoeing, Roman Jakob, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Timm Maier, Robin Teufel
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to human health, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial. This study discovered and characterized oxidoreductases that inactivate the broad-spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol through dual oxidation of the C3-hydroxyl group. These enzymes also enable the inactivation of related compounds but not the fluorinated derivative. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that distinct isofunctional enzymes evolved independently in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanistic and structural studies provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, which have both negative and positive impacts on antibiotic resistance and chloramphenicol bioremediation.
Article
Ecology
Nelson Khan, Edward Muge, Francis J. Mulaa, Benson Wamalwa, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich, Lukas Y. Wick
Summary: Fungi play a crucial role in the biodegradation of soil organochlorine pesticides by facilitating bacterial dispersal and nutrient release. Experimental results indicate that the transfer of nutrients from fungi to bacteria can enhance the degradation of organic pollutants, highlighting the importance of fungal-bacterial interactions.
Article
Ecology
Markus Krueger, Narendrakumar Chaudhari, Bo Thamdrup, Will A. Overholt, Laura A. Bristow, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Martina Herrmann
Summary: The study reveals that complete ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (CMX) of the genus Nitrospira have a competitive advantage over ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers, due to their ecophysiological characteristics and wide occurrence in groundwater. However, their specific contribution to nitrification processes has been unclear. The research aimed to unravel the contribution of CMX, AOA, and AOB to nitrification and identify the environmental drivers of their niche differentiation in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Beatrix M. Heinze, Kirsten Kuesel, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Martin Taubert
Summary: High rates of CO2 fixation and the genetic potential of various groundwater microbes for autotrophic activity have shown that primary production is an important source of organic C in groundwater ecosystems. However, the contribution of specific chemolithoautotrophic groups such as S-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) to groundwater primary production and their adaptation strategies remain largely unknown.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ana Ramos-Nascimento, Lucia Grenga, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Alexandra Himmelmann, Franca Sabine Arndt, Yen-Tran Ly, Guylaine Miotello, Olivier Pible, Nico Jehmlich, Beatrice Engelmann, Martin von Bergen, Edwin Mulder, Petra Frings-Meuthen, Christine Elisabeth Hellweg, Jens Jordan, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Jean Armengaud, Ralf Moeller
Summary: The AGBRESA study examined the effect of simulated weightlessness on the human body and explored the potential benefits of artificial gravity. The study found that simulated microgravity had a mild impact on the gut microbiome, but countermeasure protocols increased the abundance of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Monitoring the gut microbiome and metabolite profiling can provide valuable information about health disturbances and the outcome of countermeasure protocols.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ingrid E. Meyer Cifuentes, Julius Degenhardt, Meina Neumann-Schaal, Nico Jehmlich, David Kamanda Ngugi, Basak Oeztuerk
Summary: This study investigates the degradation of biodegradable plastics in the aquatic environment and demonstrates the role of microbial communities in this process. The researchers found that the type of polymer determines the community structure and degradation capability, with different polymers resulting in different levels of diversity and degradation activity. The study also identified three enzymes capable of degrading a range of biodegradable polymers, which could have potential biotechnological applications.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Pei-Ru Chen, Peng-Fei Xia
Summary: Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in mitigating global climate change and supporting life on Earth. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering offer a promising approach to enhance CO2 fixation by combining the advantages of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. This article reviews the current progress in constructing synthetic CO2 fixation pathways, discusses the underlying design principles and challenges, and provides insights into the future of carbon recycling through engineered synthetic carbon fixation pathways.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
