Predators of marine bacteria—role in ocean food webs and control of pathogens

Bacteria known as BALOs (Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms) are intracellular parasites that prey on other bacteria. Recent research shows that their ecological role in bacterial mortality has been underestimated, with possible implications for our understanding of ocean nutrient cycles. Other recent work shows that BALOs may have applications in ensuring seafood safety. BALOs are intraperiplasmic parasites of other … Continue reading Predators of marine bacteria—role in ocean food webs and control of pathogens →

Microbes, echinoderms, and algae – a tale of two ecosystem collapses

Mass mortalities of echinoderms have led to major shifts in the ecology of coral reefs in the Caribbean and of kelp forests and rocky shores on the north-west Pacific coast. These have had major implications for biodiversity, carbon capture, and economic impacts on coastal communities. Each case involves microbial activities, echinoderms in two different classes, … Continue reading Microbes, echinoderms, and algae – a tale of two ecosystem collapses →

Will declining sea ice lead to the spread of marine mammal diseases?

Viruses belonging to the Morbillivirus genus (in the Paramyxoviridae family of enveloped negative-sense RNA viruses) have been recognized as significant causes of disease in cetaceans and pinnipeds for several decades. Morbillivirus species are also responsible for measles in humans, distemper in dogs and Rinderpest in cattle. In all cases, infection usually leads to either rapid … Continue reading Will declining sea ice lead to the spread of marine mammal diseases? →