N. Fierer

The ecological relevance of flagellar motility in soil bacterial communities

This study investigates the ecological relevance of flagellar motility in soil bacteria by analyzing genomic and metagenomic data across multiple soil environments.

Building a genome-based understanding of bacterial pH preferences

The paper compiles bacterial distribution data and genomic information to develop a machine learning model predicting bacterial pH preferences from genomic data.

Leaf side determines the relative importance of dispersal versus host filtering in the phyllosphere microbiome

The paper examines bacterial communities on upper and lower leaf surfaces across 24 plant species, finding that lower leaf surfaces have lower taxonomic richness and are more influenced by host filtering than dispersal.

A metagenomic investigation of spatial and temporal changes in sewage microbiomes across a university campus

This study investigates spatiotemporal changes in sewage microbiomes across a university campus using shotgun metagenomics, revealing dynamic patterns and environmental influences.

Hydrogen stable isotope probing of lipids demonstrates slow rates of microbial growth in soil

This study measures microbial growth rates in soil using hydrogen stable isotope probing of lipids, finding slow and variable generation times, with lower-biomass soils showing faster growth.

An ecological perspective on microbial genes of unknown function in soil

The paper identifies and analyzes genes of unknown function in soil metagenomes, finding they are prevalent in certain soil types and often associated with uncharacterized microbial phyla and mobile genetic elements.

Inhibition of select actinobacteria by the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos

This study tests the effects of chlorpyrifos on 196 actinobacteria strains, finding that it inhibits growth and alters colony morphology in most strains.

Heliconius butterflies host characteristic and phylogenetically structured adult-stage microbiomes

This study characterizes the adult-stage microbiomes of Heliconius butterflies, finding they are phylogenetically structured and influenced by host traits, not pollen-feeding.

Unraveling the effects of spatial variability and relic DNA on the temporal dynamics of soil microbial communities

This study investigates how spatial variability and relic DNA affect temporal dynamics in soil microbial communities, finding that spatial patterns persist and relic DNA masks temporal changes.

Unlinked rRNA genes are widespread among Bacteria and Archaea

The paper shows that unlinked 16S and 23S rRNA genes are common in many bacterial and archaeal phyla, not just rare exceptions, and are associated with specific ecological and metabolic traits.

Ecological and genomic attributes of novel bacterial taxa that thrive in subsurface soil horizons

The paper examines subsurface soil microbial communities across 20 U.S. profiles, finding decreased diversity and distinct taxa at depth, including the dominant Dormibacteraeota phylum, and identifies genomic traits enabling survival in oligotrophic conditions.

A global survey of mycobacterial diversity in soil

This study surveys global soil mycobacterial diversity, finding high diversity with many undescribed lineages and environmental preferences, but few known pathogens in soil.

Ecological niche differentiation in soil cyanobacterial communities across the globe

This study identifies three major soil cyanobacterial clusters with distinct environmental preferences across global ecosystems and constructs the first global atlas of soil cyanobacteria.

Ecological analyses of mycobacteria in showerhead biofilms and their relevance to human health

This study analyzes mycobacteria in showerhead biofilms across the U.S. and Europe, finding that water source and chemistry influence mycobacterial diversity and abundance, with implications for NTM lung disease transmission.

Microbes follow Humboldt: temperature drives plant and soil microbial diversity patterns from the Amazon to the Andes

The paper shows that temperature drives coordinated diversity patterns in plants, soil bacteria, and fungi across an Andean elevation gradient.

Novel bacterial lineages associated with boreal moss species

The paper identifies novel bacterial lineages in boreal mosses, showing host identity strongly influences community composition and revealing metabolic capabilities of understudied taxa.

Caterpillars lack a resident gut microbiome

This study shows caterpillars lack resident gut microbiomes, with microbes present only transiently and not contributing to their development or survival.