Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine. Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)—tiny codes that allow ...

Researchers are linking human activity to increased gene transfer from soil bacteria to humans. Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine.

Since they are so non-selective, they can kill or control beneficial microbes as well as both targeted and non-targeted organisms. Often, broad-spectrum pesticides may also harm pollinators and ...

Some soil bacteria can acquire sets of genes that enable them to pump the heavy metal nickel out of their systems, a study has found. This enables the bacteria to not only thrive in otherwise toxic ...

Hidden algae communities beneath farms may play a major role in soil health, water retention, and natural nitrogen cycling, ...

Recent research uncovers the resilience of certain soil microorganisms in the face of increasing drought conditions. While many bacteria become inactive during dry spells, specific groups persist and ...

Researchers discovered that microbes respire three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons. When soil microbes eat plant matter, the digested food follows one of two ...

This soil bacterium is recognised by the plant, which, following the release of a signal that spreads throughout all its organs, strengthens its defences against attack by pathogens. Bacillus produces ...

Plastic in Antarctica harbors bacteria with antibiotic resistance, raising concerns among scientists about its global spread.