Zeroing in on the origins of Earth’s “single most important evolutionary innovation”
A new study shows oxygenic photosynthesis likely evolved between 3.4 and 2.9 billion years ago.
New method opens the door to efficient genome writing in bacteria
Technique for editing bacterial genomes can record interactions between cells, may offer a way to edit genes in the human microbiome.
Mapping the cellular circuits behind spitting
Roundworms change the flow of material in and out of their mouths in response to bright light, revealing a new way for neurons to control muscle cells.
Engineering seeds to resist drought
A new seed-coating process could facilitate agriculture on marginal arid lands by enabling the seeds to retain any available water.
Finding the love hormone in a stressed-out world
A new art/science collaboration uses molecular structures as its creative medium.
How metals work together to weaken hardy nitrogen-nitrogen bonds
Study yields clues into how nitrogenase, an enzyme critical for life, converts nitrogen into ammonia.
How industrialized life remodels the microbiome
International study reveals gut bacteria from people in industrialized societies swap genes at much higher rates.
MIT engineers make filters from tree branches to purify drinking water
Prototypes tested in India show promise as a low-cost, natural filtration option.
Eyeless roundworms sense color
C. elegans compares the ratio of wavelengths in its environment to avoid dangerous bacteria that secrete colorful toxins.
Metabolic mutations help bacteria resist drug treatment
Study suggests forcing bacteria to burn more energy could make them more susceptible to antibiotics.
A new tool to investigate bacteria behind hospital infections
Scalable CRISPRi system from SMART allows scientists to identify and tackle causes of E. faecalis-related diseases and drug resistance.
Geologists produce new timeline of Earth’s Paleozoic climate changes
The record shows ancient temperature variations coinciding with shifts in the planet’s biodiversity.
Scientists discover slimy microbes that may help keep coral reefs healthy
The bacteria scrub out nitrogen, potentially defending against certain nutrient overloads.
Turning microbiome research into a force for health
A diverse group of researchers is working to turn new discoveries about the trillions of microbes in the body into treatments for a range of diseases.
SMART researchers use lysins to selectively target bacteria
The discovery can help to cure bacterial infections without inducing resistance or causing harm to good bacteria.