Fifty important research questions in microbial ecology

Antwis, R. et al. (2017) Fifty important research questions in microbial ecology. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 93(5), fix044. (doi: 10.1093/femsec/fix044) (PMID:28379446)

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Abstract

Microbial ecology provides insights into the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of microbial communities underpinning every ecosystem on Earth. Microbial communities can now be investigated in unprecedented detail, although there is still a wealth of open questions to be tackled. Here we identify 50 research questions of fundamental importance to the science or application of microbial ecology, with the intention of summarising the field and bringing focus to new research avenues. Questions are categorised into seven themes: host–microbiome interactions; health and infectious diseases; human health and food security; microbial ecology in a changing world; environmental processes; functional diversity; and evolutionary processes. Many questions recognise that microbes provide an extraordinary array of functional diversity that can be harnessed to solve real-world problems. Our limited knowledge of spatial and temporal variation in microbial diversity and function is also reflected, as is the need to integrate micro- and macro-ecological concepts, and knowledge derived from studies with humans and other diverse organisms. Although not exhaustive, the questions presented are intended to stimulate discussion and provide focus for researchers, funders and policy makers, informing the future research agenda in microbial ecology.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by contributions from the British Ecological Society and the University of Salford towards funding the workshop. KMF was funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, NLMF Colciencias, MCM by Earth and Life Systems Alliance, and WJS by Arcadia.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Heys, Dr Chloe
Authors: Antwis, R., Griffiths, S., Harrison, X., Aranega-Bou, P., Arce, A., Bettridge, A., Brailsford, F., de Menezes, A., Devaynes, A., Forbes, K., Fry, E., Goodhead, I., Haskell, E., Heys, C., James, C., Johnston, S., Lewis, G., Lewis, Z., Macey, M., McCarthy, A., McDonald, J., Mejia-Florez, N., O'Brien, D., Orland, C., Pautasso, M., Reid, W., Robinson, H., Wilson, K., and Sutherland, W.
Subjects:Q Science > QL Zoology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:FEMS Microbiology Ecology
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0168-6496
ISSN (Online):1574-6941
Published Online:03 April 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 FEMS
First Published:First published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology 93(5): fix044
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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