Biologists trying to identify microorganisms dominating various communities in environmental samples have a new tool called a community genome array. This glass slide, developed by a team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Environmental Sciences Division, is dotted with labeled whole-genome probes that pair up, or hybridize, with target microorganisms of genetically identical species in natural microbial communities. The community genome array allows scientists to determine which species of bacteria survive and which die when exposed to contaminants or temperature changes caused by industrial practices or climate change. These arrays might also be practical for detecting unknown microorganisms that are genetically related to bacteria known to be useful for remediation of contaminated ecosystems. The research team was led by Liyou Wu, Dorothea Thompson and Joe Zhou. Funding for the project was provided by DOE's Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research.
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