A researcher analyzing vast quantities of genomic data is not unlike a beachcomber slowly scanning a beach with a metal detector. Although global microbial populations are orders of magnitude larger than nearly any other population in, on or around the planet, only a fraction has been identified thus far. More thorough surveys could lead to new strategies for DOE researchers to advance their energy and environmental investigations. In a study published January 27, 2016 in Nature Communications, a team led by DOE Joint Genome Institute researchers utilized the largest collection of metagenomic datasets to uncover a completely novel bacterial phylum that they have dubbed “Kryptonia.” Read more on the DOE JGI website. (Composite image by Emiley Eloe-Fadrosh, DOE JGI)
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