Bacteria in the Gloeobacterales group live in a simple way. They don’t have the usual stacks of membranes that most cousins use to catch sunlight. Yet they still survive and grow. New research shows these bacteria solve the problem by stealing genes from other microbes. They pick up pieces of DNA th
Heat can be tough on living things. For tiny blue-green algae, called cyanobacteria, too much sun and warmth can damage their cells and slow down their growth. But scientists noticed something interesting in a lab—a group of these algae adapted over time to handle tough conditions. After weeks of ex
In the hot, bubbling waters of Yellowstone, something unexpected is happening. Bacteria, usually known for sticking to their own kind, are mixing it up. This isn't just a one-time thing. It's been going on for thousands of years. Scientists looked at over 300 single-cell genomes of these bacteria. T
In a clever twist on waste management, scientists found a way to turn a problem into a solution. They used a mix of algae and cyanobacteria to clean up a messy byproduct of maize processing called nejayote. This isn't just about cleaning up, though. The team also wanted to see if they could make som
Cyanobacteria, those tiny green plants in water, can make drinking water smell and taste bad. They do this by releasing a chemical called 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB). Even a tiny bit of MIB can ruin the water's quality. But how and when these plants release MIB is still a mystery. Scientists did some
Cyanobacteria, often overlooked, are nature's tiny chemists. These blue-green algae pack a punch, producing a variety of biologically active compounds. These compounds play a big role in ecosystems and even hold promise for new medicines. However, tapping into this potential isn't easy. Researchers
Lakes around the world are under siege from a silent invader: cyanobacteria. These tiny, blue-green algae can multiply rapidly, creating harmful blooms that choke out other life forms and disrupt ecosystems. While much attention is given to bacteria in these scenarios, fungi are often overlooked. Ye
Water pollution is a growing problem. Harmful algae blooms are on the rise. These blooms produce toxins. One such toxin is microcystin. It is dangerous for humans. It can cause serious health issues. Liver damage and cancer are possible. Detecting microcystin is not easy. Traditional methods
Toxic cyanobacteria are becoming more common and severe worldwide. One of the most common toxins they produce is microcystin. This toxin has puzzled scientists for a long time. They have struggled to understand its exact role in the survival of these harmful bacteria. One interesting fact is tha
Ever wondered how some tiny organisms like cyanobacteria protect themselves from too much light? Meet Orange Carotenoid Proteins (OCPs)! These water-soluble proteins are exclusive to cyanobacteria and play a big role in their survival. OCPs have two main parts, a light-sensitive sensor at the end (C
