Article selection from Microbiological Research and The Microbe

The Microbe

Editor-in-Chief: Lachlan Beckingham

• The impact of stone position and location on the microbiome of a marble statue opens in new tab/window LB: Artifacts from our cultural heritage offer invaluable insights into the evolution of human societies, and their preservation is paramount to keeping this window to the past open. This research article explores the diverse microbiomes found on marble statues, uncovering significant correlations between their positions and locations and the microbial diversity they harbor. By pinpointing key variations in the relative abundances of biodeteriogenic microbes, this study provides crucial insights to inform preservation endeavors.

• The potential of β-glucosidases for aroma and flavor improvement in the food industry opens in new tab/window LB: Flavor and aroma are cornerstone elements within the food industry, profoundly shaping consumer preferences. This review investigates the application of β-glucosidases, pivotal enzymes facilitating sugar hydrolysis, underscoring the significant impact of microbial β-glucosidases on flavor and aroma enhancement. Additionally, it explores their role in fostering greener and more sustainable industrial methodologies.

• Rhizoctonia root-rot diseases in sugar beet: Pathogen diversity, pathogenesis and cutting-edge advancements in management research opens in new tab/window LB: As important sources of both sugar and biofuel, the susceptibility of sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L.) to various diseases poses a significant threat to agricultural, food, and fuel industries. This review investigates the repercussions of Rhizoctonia infection on sugar beet production, underscoring the pressing need for robust control measures against this fungal pathogen to prevent root-rot and crown disease, highlighting innovative strategies aimed at curbing substantial crop yield losses and reducing reliance on environmentally harmful fungicides.

Microbiological Research

Editor-in-Chief: Xiaohui Zhou

• The urinary microbiome and biological therapeutics: Novel therapies for urinary tract infections opens in new tab/window

  XZ: This article reviewed the current state of the art concerning the urobiome; specifically, how it impacts health and disease states, in the context of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The development of novel biological therapeutics that may have the potential to provide significant advancements in UTI therapy was also discussed, with a particular focus on bacterial interference, probiotics, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriocins, and bacteriophage.

• Roles of virulence regulator ToxR in viable but non-culturable formation by controlling reactive oxygen species resistance in pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus opens in new tab/window

  XZ: This study revealed the role of ToxR in switching on the VBNC state by sensing unfavorable environmental signals such as endogenous ROS (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) in V. alginolyticus and provided mechanistic insights into Vibrio lifestyle adaptation in the marine environment.

Editor-in-Chief: Gerado Pupolo

• Seed inhabiting bacterial endophytes of maize promote seedling establishment and provide protection against fungal disease opens in new tab/window GP: This study shows the importance of bacteria in crop protection.