LND topic: metagenomics page 1

metagenomics

Discovering Hidden Sugar‑Breakers in Tiny DNA Fragments

July 12, 2026

Scientists often study the tiny life forms that live everywhere by reading their DNA. A common method is to build complete “genomes” from many pieces of DNA that are found in the environment. However, this process can miss a lot of useful information because many DNA fragments stay short and unassem

science

Pigs, Ponds and Hidden Antibiotic Threats

July 1, 2026

Scientists followed the journey of pig waste in a Brazilian farm’s treatment ponds. They used advanced DNA sequencing to track bacteria, antibiotic‑resistance genes (ARGs), mobile gene pieces (MGEs), and metabolic activities over several months. Samples came from the first pond, where raw waste ente

health

Crohn's Disease and Gut Bacteria: A Closer Look at Bile Acid Breakdown

December 31, 2025

Crohn's disease is a tricky condition that affects the gut. One thing that makes it worse is how it changes the bacteria living in our intestines. These tiny helpers usually play a big role in breaking down bile acids, which are important for digestion. But in people with Crohn's, this process isn't

science

Gut Bacteria: A New Way to Study Health and Disease

November 28, 2025

The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria. These tiny organisms play a big role in keeping us healthy. They can also be linked to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Scientists have been studying these bacteria using different methods. One method is metagenomics. It helps identify b

environment

Fertilizer Face-Off: How Different Treatments Shape Soil

May 11, 2025

In the heart of Mississippi, a close look at two blueberry farms showed how different fertilizers affect soil. The farms, Roebuck and Nesbit, used chemical and organic fertilizers, respectively. Researchers dug into the soil to check out the geophysical-chemical details and the tiny bacteria living

science

Mining the Microbial World of Rajpardi Lignite

March 30, 2025

The Rajpardi lignite mine in Gujarat, India, is home to a thriving world of microbes. These tiny organisms play a big role in the environment. To understand their impact, researchers used a method called metagenomics. This involves sequencing the DNA of all the microbes in a sample to see what they

science

Cowpeas and Their Microbial Allies: A Drought Survival Guide

March 26, 2025

The world of microbes living in the soil around cowpea roots is a bustling ecosystem. These tiny organisms play a big role in how plants handle stress, like drought. But what exactly happens to these microbial communities when the rain stops? This is what a recent investigation set out to find. The

science

Gulls in the City: Unseen Viral Passengers

March 25, 2025

The black-headed gull is a familiar sight in Hungary, often seen nesting and feeding in urban areas. This adaptability makes them interesting subjects for studying how viruses might jump between species. Between 2014 and 2018, scientists collected seven fecal samples from these gulls as part of a br

science

How Different Fats Can Boost Methane Production

February 10, 2025

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a method where microorganisms convert organic materials, like food scraps and sludge, into biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source. The efficiency of AD can be influenced by different types of fatty acids. Fatty acids are found in many products and

science

Wastewater Discovery: Africa’s Microbial Mysteries Unveiled

December 21, 2024

Imagine diving into a world invisible to the naked eye—the world of microbes in wastewater. In Africa, this approach, known as metagenomics, offers a treasure trove of insights. By analyzing wastewater, scientists can keep tabs on public health, track nasty bugs that resist medicines, and even find