New method reveals active microbes in coastal sediments

Scientists at Bigelow Laboratory have developed a new method to link individual microbial activity to their genetic code in coastal sediments. This is the first time this approach has been applied to sediment samples, revealing diverse microbial communities in low-oxygen environments. The method combines single-cell genomics and flow cytometry to measure respiration rates of microbes. Researchers found that sulfate-reducing microbes from the Chloroflexota phylum were the most active, demonstrating resilience to oxygen and other disturbances in their environment. The team plans to expand their research by examining deeper sediment samples and applying the method to extreme environments. This innovative approach allows for better understanding of microbial functions in low-biomass settings.