Biosciences News

Researchers have identified several key compounds that shape the microbial communities dwelling around plant roots and soil, opening up the possibility for agricultural strategies that precisely and sustainably improve plant health and crop yields. One such compound was serotonin, a signaling molecule commonly known for its role in mood regulation. In this context, serotonin was found to enhance plant growth and shape microbial communities living around plant roots under nutrient-rich conditions.

In Science Advances, JGI researchers have taken stock of the current state of microbial genomic biodiversity. Using publicly available genome sequence data generated over the past three decades, their study assesses what fraction of the microbial diversity we know about, and proposes a path forward to curate and cultivate what is still unknown.

A first-of-its-kind study led by Cynthia McMurray and Aris Polyzos in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division integrated cell type– and brain region–specific features of DNA repair in normal brains, setting a benchmark for the field. Their results, recently published in Nature Communications, suggest that DNA damage itself serves as the checkpoint, limiting the accumulation of genomic errors in cells during natural aging.

The projects of 23 Biosciences Area scientists and engineers received funding through the FY25 Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program.

In December, Eva Nogales, senior faculty scientist Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division, traveled to her native Spain where she was honored for her work in the field of visualization of macromolecular function.