Microbial Genomics: Tropical Treasure?

Analyses of the influencing factors of soil microbial functional gene diversity in tropical rainforest based on GeoChip 5.0

To examine soil microbial functional gene diversity and causative factors in tropical rainforests, we used a microarray-based metagenomic tool named GeoChip 5.0 to profile it. We found that high microbial functional gene diversity and different soil microbial metabolic potential for biogeochemical processes were considered to exist in tropical rainforest. Soil available nitrogen was the most as...

Integration of genomics and proteomics into marine microbial ecology

Genomics and proteomics of microorganisms are revolutionizing our understanding of marine microbial ecology. In this essay we address this by discussing (1) what microbial genome resources are available for marine ecologists, (2) how single-organism genomics and proteomics have revealed new microbial functions in the marine ecosystem, and (3) how the integration of metagenomics, metaproteomics ...

High-Up: A Remote Reservoir of Microbial Extremophiles in Central Andean Wetlands

The Central Andes region displays unexplored ecosystems of shallow lakes and salt flats at mean altitudes of 3700 m. Being isolated and hostile, these so-called "High-Altitude Andean Lakes" (HAAL) are pristine and have been exposed to little human influence. HAAL proved to be a rich source of microbes showing interesting adaptations to life in extreme settings (poly-extremophiles) such as alkal...

Wolbachia: why these bacteria are important to genome research.

70th Anniversary Collection for the Microbiology Society: Microbial Genomics

In the context of the Microbiology Society's 70th anniversary celebration, Microbial Genomics (MGen) is the new baby of the Society's publishing family. Born on 15 July 2015, it is still in its infancy but already showing promising signs, and we have great hopes and expectations for the future. The journal captures a new and expanding area of research, one which is already having a major impact...