The Science Fungi in the Trichomaderma genus, which are commonly present in soils, are known to engage in mycoparasitism, or active antagonism of other fungi. The fungi targeted in these interactions are phytopathogenic (plant-harming) fungi, which cause significant economic losses in agriculture. Although there has been extensive research about the mechanisms involved in the mycoparasitic capability of Trichoderma species, there are still unsolved questions related to … [Read more...]
Two m-CAFEs Scientists Join Ranks of AAAS Fellows
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which was founded in 1848 and is the world’s largest general scientific society, has announced their 2023 Fellows. This lifetime honor follows a nomination and review process to recognize scientists, engineers, and innovators for their distinguished achievements toward the advancement or applications of science. The 2023 Fellows class—among them five scientists at Berkeley Lab—includes 502 scientists, engineers, and innovators … [Read more...]
Impact of Inoculation Practices on Microbiota Assembly and Community Stability in a Fabricated Ecosystem
Bacterial inoculation while transplanting coupled with a later harvesting time point yields a reproducible microbial community The Science m-CAFEs researchers used model plant Brachypodium distachyon, shown here in a quartz sand-filled fabricated ecosystem (EcoFAB) inside a Magenta box, to study soil-plant-microbe interactions. . Increasing pressure on agricultural systems and environmental degradation has created a need to examine new methods for developing sustainable agricultural … [Read more...]
CasPEDIA Database: a Functional Classification System for Class 2 CRISPR-Cas Enzymes
m-CAFEs researchers present new database for the collection, classification and utilization of CRISPR-Cas enzymes. The Science m-CAFEs researchers developed CasPEDIA, the Cas Protein Effector Database of Information and Assessment, a new database which provides summary information about the capabilities and limitations of Class 2 Cas technologies to facilitate tool selection and highlight opportunities for future biotechnological development. They also introduce CasID, a Cas enzyme … [Read more...]
Genome-wide fitness profiling reveals molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to interact with Trichoderma atroviride exometabolites
The Science The rhizosphere that surrounds plant roots is a hotspot for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. While how roots interact with bacteria is relatively understood, the dynamics between bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere are less clear. In this work, m-CAFEs researchers at UC Berkeley focused on Trichoderma atroviride, a fungus in the root zone that produces complex substances influencing plant-microbe interactions. Observing lab-altered bacteria revealed that exposure to … [Read more...]
