In a new study, a team of scientists has mapped the genome of a microbe that is a key biological indicator of oceanic dead zones.The study was carried out by a team of researchers at the University of British Columbia, along with colleagues at the US Dept. of Energy Joint Genome Institute.“Microbes specialize in metabolic innovation and many can use alternatives to oxygen, including nitrates, sulfates and metals, breathing these compounds instead of oxygen. These adaptations likely enable them to thrive in dead zones where their combined metabolic activity influences nutrient and greenhouse gas cycling on a global scale,” said Steve Hallam, an assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology.
More on the study from New Kerala.