US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)’s Post

New research in TheFASEBJournal uncovers insights into how animals allocate energy during hibernation by adapting their liver functions. These adaptations may lead to key molecular changes that can help further research on the science of hibernation. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02lzGlF0

Gut environments harbour dense microbial ecosystems in which plasmids are widely distributed. Plasmids facilitate the exchange of genetic material among microorganisms while enabling the transfer of a diverse array of accessory functions. However, their precise impact on microbial community composition and function remains largely unexplored. Here the researchers identify a prevalent bacterial toxin and a plasmid-encoded resistance mechanism that mediates the interaction between Lactobacilli and Enterococci. https://lnkd.in/g-uphcng

Current knowledge on the origin of insecticide resistance mechanisms: the tip of the iceberg? 'We therefore have proof that a mutation conferring resistance can be present in populations before any insecticide treatment. This kind of mutation may be due to chance, but also to diffuse selection resulting from the pressure exerted by natural toxins. Indeed, herbivorous insect species must cope with plant defense molecules and in some cases this ability can also give them resistance to insecticide.' 'Beyond the exciting scientific aspect, knowledge of the mechanisms by which resistance to insecticides develops can be decisive in managing resistance in the field, especially with new insecticides. While the rate of genetic recombination in a population seems to be important in terms of “historical resistance”, cases of resistance involving epigenetic phenomena or the intestinal microbiome cast a certain cloud over our vision of this phenomenon. This makes understand-ing insecticide resistance and its emergence all the more fascinating...' https://lnkd.in/evJJWzcE

New research in The FASEB Journal uncovers insights into how animals allocate energy during hibernation by adapting their liver functions. These adaptations can lead to key molecular changes that may help further research on the science of hibernation. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02m6Y3T0

The objectives of this study were to estimate the genetic parameters of residual feed intake (RFI) and its component traits [dry matter intake (DMI), metabolic body weight (MBW), and average daily gain (ADG)] in Holstein heifers, and to develop a system for genomic evaluation for RFI in Holstein dairy calves. Heifers had DMI (mean ± SD) of 8.11 ± 1.59 kg over the trial period, with growth rate of 1.08 ± 0.25 kg/d. The heritability estimates (mean ± SE) of RFI, MBW, DMI, and growth rate were 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.27 ± 0.02, and 0.19 ± 0.02, respectively.

Excited to share our latest research findings on maize seed-borne microbiomes! 🌽 In this work, I could collaborate with Beatriz Barcelos from Professor Fabio Olivares's lab and Francisnei Pedrosa-Silva from my lab (Thiago Venancio's lab)! we compared the seed-borne microbiome of a commercial hybrid variety and a landrace maize variety. We found out that the seed-borne bacterial community of the commercial variety was uniform and homogeneous, while the landrace variety's microbiome showed greater diversity. Although devoid of a functional nitrogen fixation apparatus, both microbiomes exhibited genes linked to phytohormone production and inorganic phosphate solubilization, with the landrace variety notably excelling in these aspects. We also recovered 18 MAGs, with 4 belonging to potential new species. Check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/d9rCAFfq #Research #Microbiome #AgriculturalInnovation #MicrobialCommunities #SustainableAgriculture

“The Uncertainty of Sequencing The Microbiome: How Reliable is Your Microbiome Data” 🧬 In our latest blog, I delve into a pivotal study by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. It reveals surprising discrepancies in microbiome sequencing data, questioning the practical use of microbial profiles. 🔍 This revelation is crucial not just for scientists but everyone in the field. 💡 👉 Find out more about how these findings impact the future of microbiome research: https://lnkd.in/gqzcBm7E How confident are you in your microbiome data? 🤔

Such an important question to ask of your microbiome data is "How real is this result?" And there are so many ways to address that - extensive reference testing, improvements to sample preparation, redesigning bioinformatic pipelines to be better at false positives and negatives (can you tell I have a preference?) In this blog post for Branchpoint Biosciences - I examine the implications of the recent preprint results from the NIST Mosaic Standards Challenge. I think it demonstrates just how unreliable sequencing data can be when you are trying to make it be precise. THE FREAKING RATIO OF FIRMICUTES-TO-BACTEROIDETES CHANGES! Depending on which NGS method you use! I also assume that when using commercial bioinformatics services, they have spent the time considering how to address some well known caveats. But check out the methods and you may notice a big name (recent mergee) as the standardized bioinformatic method. #microbiome #microbiomeresearch #microbiology #gutmicrobiome #oralmicrobiome #femalehealth #molecularbiology #taxonomy #qpcr

Research continues to provide #dairyproducers with new opportunities to improve production efficiency and, therefore, profitability and sustainability. In a new study in the #JournalofDairyScience, an STgenetics team explores the genetic background of feed efficiency traits in #Holstein heifers, and asks if residual feed intake (RFI) is a more suitable trait for use in selection programs for improved feed efficiency in #dairycalves ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gcJV5yuF

👩🔬 Joana Gaifem’s research focus is to understand how alterations in mucosa glycosylation shapes the microbiota and metabolism in the intestine and how these players are involved in health-to-inflammation transition, ultimately with the aim to develop strategies to prevent IBD. 🤩 When asked about the inspiration behind her passion for becoming a scientist, Joana explains that since an early age, she has been fascinated by the diversity of organisms and how their interactions shape the natural environment. #WomenInScience #GlycanTrigger #HorizonEurope