The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has conducted a deep and unparalleled study on microbiomes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Microorganisms
The study focuses on microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms in glacier-fed streams.
Originated from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, these streams boast a vast array of unique microorganisms.
Different Samples
In collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, the team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus as well as the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains.
Moreover, they collected other samples from the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes.
Streams
As being among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, these streams are basically located at mountain summits. Furthermore, they feature near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.
Crucially, they are considered as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers and vital water reservoirs for the planet.
Climate Change
In the same context, KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco noted that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change.
Therefore, Marasco stressed the significance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to offer a better understanding of the rate of ecological change.
Meanwhile, KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts should be highlighted as they greatly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.
Interestingly, the researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.
Clearly, these streams feature a distinctive microbiome different from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.
Approximately half of the bacterial species in these streams are located at specific mountain ranges. This is due to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.
Findings
In the light of this, the findings of the study represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams. Accordingly, the study has been published in the renowned scientific journal Nature.
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