This study uses metagenomics and in situ metatranscriptomics to explore microbial ecology from deep sea hadal trenches. They find that viruses and magnetotactic bacteria possibly help distant phyla sh...

This study uses metagenomics and in situ metatranscriptomics to explore microbial ecology from deep sea hadal trenches. They find that viruses and magnetotactic bacteria possibly help distant phyla share functional genes to survive extreme pressure and starvation.

A magnetotactic bacterium extended lifespan in worms by 43.39% and appeared to do so by suppressing ferroptosis. A bacterium best known for producing microscopic magnetic structures may have an unexpected effect on aging. In experiments with Caenorhabditis elegans, the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 extended average lifespan by 43.39% while helping preserve neurological function and [...]

Magnetosomes are membrane-bound iron-rich organelles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria as sensors for navigation in the Earth’s magnetic field. In the well-studied model Magnetospirillum gryphiswa...

Long before animals evolved magnetic navigation, bacteria were using microscopic compasses to thrive in a world of varied oxygen levels.

LMU researchers have discovered an unusual three-way partnership between a ciliate, bacteria, and archaea.

An international team has discovered a previously unknown magnetotactic ciliate that pursues an unusual strategy: partnership with two other organisms inside its cell.

Scientists study how microorganisms use Earth's magnetic field for navigation. Magnetotactic bacteria and eukaryotic single-celled organisms possess this ability, but its acquisition remains a mystery.

How do microorganisms orient themselves to find the optimal habitat? Scientists have thoroughly investigated so-called magnetotactic bacteria, which use the Earth's magnetic field as a biological compass.

Aston University is leading a €1.2m international research project to investigate whether naturally magnetic bacteria can be harnessed to deliver targeted

June 2026 - Magnetotactic Bacteria - The microbes with internal compasses Some organisms are impressive because they run fast, fly high, or survive terrible conditions. Magnetotactic bacteria are imp...

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, a chemolithoautotrophic iron- and sulfur-oxidizing acidophile, is a key contributor to industrial-scale copper metal bioleaching. These cells naturally produce magnetosomes, and they may serve as an emerging platform for magnetosome bioproduction, as magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are difficult to cultivate and genetically modify. Here, we manipulated the expression of the endogenous homologues to the magA and mamB genes in A. ferrooxidans, which are implicated in iron transport required for magnetosome synthesis. Modulation of mamB had no impact on cell behavior. Overexpression of magA increased magnetosome formation and magnetic responsiveness, and these effects were attenuated by CRISPRi knockdown of magA. The augmented magnetosome formation in the magA overexpression cells also led to enhanced bioleaching of pyrite, which is weakly paramagnetic, and this could be further enhanced by the addition of an external magnetic field. These results confirm that magA plays a critical role in magnetosome formation in A. ferrooxidans and that the magnetosome expression can be enhanced through genetic engineering. In addition, these results demonstrate the potential to improve metal sulfide bioleaching through manipulation of genes involved in magnetosome formation.

Abstract. Magnetotactic bacteria form a highly diverse group of microorganisms, yet early exploration of their diversity was largely centered on the Pseudo

ICFO researchers report the first precision measurements of the magnetic field produced by magnetotactic bacteria, as they lose their orientation (relax) after being polarized in a strong magnetic fie...