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Compost Microcosms as Microbially Diverse, Natural-like Environments for Microbiome Research in Caenorhabditis elegans
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A great leap forward in microbial ecology.

Satoshi Okabe1, Mamoru Oshiki, Yoichi Kamagata

  • 1Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060–8628, Japan. sokabe@eng.hokudai.ac.jp

Microbes and Environments
|May 18, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Microbial ecology advanced significantly with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) techniques, revolutionizing our understanding of microbial life. This review highlights key progress in areas like uncultured microbes and biofilms over 25 years.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbial Ecology
  • Molecular Microbiology

Background:

  • The advent of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence-based molecular techniques in the late 1980s revolutionized the study of microbial life.
  • The Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology (JSME) and its journal "Microbes and Environments (M&E)" were established in 1985, coinciding with these advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent progress in microbial ecology and related fields over the past 25 years.
  • To highlight advancements in eight landmark areas of microbial ecology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published literature in "Microbes and Environments" and related fields.
  • Focus on advancements in molecular techniques and their applications.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in cultivating previously uncultured microbes.
  • In situ methods for assessing microorganisms and their activities have been developed.
  • Key areas of advancement include biofilms, plant microbiology, chemolithotrophic bacteria, animal symbionts, wastewater treatment, and biodegradation.

Conclusions:

  • The past 25 years have been a highly productive period for microbial ecology, driven by molecular techniques.
  • Continued research in these landmark areas promises further insights into microbial ecosystems.