Microbial Ecology

Microbial ecology is the study of microorganisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. It examines the roles of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses and other microbes in ecosystems through processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Microbial ecology is closely linked to soil health, ocean processes, climate change, biodiversity and the functioning of natural and managed ecosystems.

Image: Network of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal network with a muti-nucleate reproductive spore imaged with a fluorescent dye and confocal microscopy
Robot tracks underground fungal trade networksScience

Robot tracks underground fungal trade networks

Scientists build robot to track plant-fungal trade networks, revealing nature’s underground supply chains Summary: A team of international scientists has taken a step in understanding…
SourceSourceFebruary 26, 2025 Full article
Lake Mendota at sunset
Bacteria evolve seasonally in response to environmental changesNewsScience

Bacteria evolve seasonally in response to environmental changes

Bacteria in Wisconsin’s Lake Mendota exhibit a unique evolutionary cycle, responding rapidly to seasonal changes before resetting to genetic states resembling prior years, according to…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskJanuary 5, 2025 Full article