Biosorption of heavy metals by microalgae: Hazardous side effects for marine organisms.

Biosorption is nowadays recommended as an ecological and environmentally friendly alternative to remove metals from contaminated regions. Even in situ incubations of algae on the seabed are conducted to investigate potential future ways of reducing metal contamination. Our study investigated the negative effects on microorganisms when metal-enriched algae are released into the marine environment.

Unraveling novel mutation patterns and morphological variations in two dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strains in Austria using whole genome sequencing and transmission electron microscopy.

Background: The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains resistant to non-beta-lactam antimicrobials poses a significant challenge in treating severe MRSA bloodstream infections. This study explores resistance development and mechanisms in MRSA isolates, especially after the first dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strain in our hospital in 2016.

Methods: This study investigated 55 MRSA bloodstream isolates (02/2015-02/2021) from the University Hospital of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

A giant virus infecting the amoeboflagellate Naegleria.

Giant viruses (Nucleocytoviricota) are significant lethality agents of various eukaryotic hosts. Although metagenomics indicates their ubiquitous distribution, available giant virus isolates are restricted to a very small number of protist and algal hosts. Here we report on the first viral isolate that replicates in the amoeboflagellate Naegleria.

Freeze Substitution Accelerated via Agitation: New Prospects for Ultrastructural Studies of Lichen Symbionts and Their Extracellular Matrix.

(1) Background: Lichens, as an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem, attract the attention of various research disciplines. To elucidate their ultrastructure, transmission electron microscopy of resin-embedded samples is indispensable. Since most observations of lichen samples are generated via chemical fixation and processing at room temperature, they lack the rapid immobilization of live processes and are prone to preparation artefacts.

Three in one: evolution of viviparity, coenocytic placenta and polyembryony in cyclostome bryozoans.

Background: Placentation has evolved multiple times among both chordates and invertebrates. Although they are structurally less complex, invertebrate placentae are much more diverse in their origin, development and position. Aquatic colonial suspension-feeders from the phylum Bryozoa acquired placental analogues multiple times, representing an outstanding example of their structural diversity and evolution.