Recent research has revealed how the magnetic properties of bacteria can provide clues to their early diversification. A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo and the University of Tsukuba have used magnetic bacteria to explore the effects of early environmental changes on bacterial diversification. The team used bacteria which contained magnetosomes, tiny structures made of iron oxide which allow the bacteria to orient themselves by using the Earth’s magnetic field. By studying the magnetosomes, the team was able to gain insight into how the bacteria evolved and diversified in different environments. The findings provide valuable information for understanding the early evolution of bacteria and may help to inform future studies of bacterial diversification.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org