Role of Climate and Edaphic Factors on the Community Composition of Biocrusts Along an Elevation Gradient in the High Arctic.

Biological soil crusts are integral to Arctic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in primary production, nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling, as well as maintaining soil stability. However, the composition and complex relationships between the diverse organisms within these biocrusts are not well studied. This study investigates how the microbial community composition within Arctic biocrusts is influenced by environmental factors along an altitudinal gradient (101 m to 314 m).

Amphiphilic palladium NHC-complexes with chelating bis-NHC ligands based on imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid: synthesis and catalysis in water.

Efficient catalytic systems for various organic transformations in green solvents, especially water, are in great demand. Catalytically active bis-NHC complexes of palladium(II) based on imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid with different lipophilicities were obtained. The synthesis of imidazolium salts was complicated by the formation of side products of nucleophilic substitution by iodide ions in the Menshutkin reaction involving alkyl iodides, which was successfully resolved by using alkyl tosylates.

Microbial response to seasonal variation in arctic biocrusts with a focus on fungi and cyanobacteria.

Biocrusts are crucial components of Arctic ecosystems, playing significant roles in carbon and nitrogen cycling, especially in regions where plant growth is limited. However, the microbial communities within Arctic biocrusts and their strategies for surviving the harsh conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, the microbial profiles of Arctic biocrusts across different seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) were investigated in order to elucidate their survival strategies in extreme conditions.

Metagenomic Analysis of Antarctic Biocrusts Unveils a Rich Range of Cold-Shock Proteins.

Microorganisms inhabiting Antarctic biocrusts develop several strategies to survive extreme environmental conditions such as severe cold and drought. However, the knowledge about adaptations of biocrusts microorganisms are limited. Here, we applied metagenomic sequencing to study biocrusts from east Antarctica.