Microbes in focus: How environmental changes endanger diversity!

Microbes in focus: How environmental changes endanger diversity!

A new study by Tom Clegg and Thilo Gross has examined the complex mechanisms that shape microbial diversity. Research work at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg shows that microbial ecosystems have tipping points. At these tipping points, even small disturbances can lead to community collapse. The scientists conclude that the survival of microbes depends heavily on a network of interdependencies that can be destabilized by the slightest changes.

The results, published in the renowned journal PNAS, highlight the fragile balance of microbial communities. These communities function like a network in which different populations are connected through the exchange of metabolic products. The loss of individual populations can threaten the entire network and lead to an abrupt decline in diversity. Such a collapse is called a tipping point, comparable to a blackout in a power grid.

The challenges in the laboratory

A key finding of the study is the challenge of cultivating microbial communities in the laboratory. Many microorganisms die during the cultivation process, which prevents important members and therefore necessary metabolites from being recorded in laboratory experiments. This represents a disruption that affects the natural interaction of the microbes. In intra-laboratory, resource-rich cultures, community breakdown can also occur when their interrelationships are disrupted. Clegg and Gross warn that such systems may not regenerate even if all necessary resources are available again.

The implications of this research are enormous, especially considering the role that microbes play in human and environmental health. Even if the laboratory conditions do not reflect natural habitats, the findings are essential for our understanding of microbial diversity and its importance for ecosystems.

Environmental changes and their consequences

In parallel to this work, a research team from the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena is investigating how environmental changes influence the microbial communities that are crucial for the health of humans and nature. Changes in eating habits and intensive agricultural practices can disrupt not only the intestinal flora but also the carbon cycle.

Their study analyzed DNA sequences from over 1,500 microbial communities from different habitats. The scientists aimed to study the robustness or sensitivity of these microorganisms to the mentioned changes. A notable finding of the study is that bacterial species that are widespread have larger genomes. This could explain why they are able to survive in different environments.

This research is not only innovative, but also unique to date. For the first time, bacterial and fungal species were examined together on a global scale to determine their adaptability. The analysis from a variety of different biomes - sequences come from aquatic, host and soil biomes, among others - has opened up new dimensions for understanding the dynamics of microbial communities.

In conclusion, both the studies by Clegg and Gross and the analyzes by the University of Jena reinforce the need to further research the complex interactions in microbial ecosystems. Their findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the ecology and evolution of microbes and underscore the importance of maintaining this diversity in a changing environment.

For further details on Clegg and Gross' study, please visit UOL. Additional information about studying environmental change can be found on the website University of Jena as well as at MDR.