Moonmilk is a cave deposit with historical medical and cosmetic uses, which is being studied for its antimicrobial properties.
Researchers analyzed five samples from caves with differing climates in Romania and Brazil, finding that calcite and dolomite were the main minerals present.
Genetic studies revealed diverse bacterial communities in the moonmilk, with significant unclassified phyla, orders, and genera, suggesting high potential for discovering new microorganisms with useful applications.