Interactions Of Organisms Research Articles

Evolution and diversification of the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster in the genus Oryza.

Plants are master chemists and collectively are able to produce hundreds of thousands of different organic compounds. The genes underlying the biosynthesis of many specialized metabolites are organized in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which is hypothesized to ensure their faithful coinheritance and to facilitate their coordinated expression. In rice (Oryza sativa), momilactones are diterpenoids that act in plant defence and various organismic interactions. Many of the genes essential for momilactone biosynthesis are grouped in a BGC. We applied comparative genomics of diploid and allotetraploid Oryza species to reconstruct the species-specific architecture, evolutionary trajectory, and sub-functionalisation of the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster (MBGC) in the Oryza genus. Our data show that the evolution of the MBGC is marked by lineage-specific rearrangements and gene copy number variation, as well as by occasional cluster loss. We identified a distinct cluster architecture in Oryza coarctata, which represents the first instance of an alternative architecture of the MBGC in Oryza and strengthens the idea of a common origin of the cluster in Oryza and the distantly related genus Echinochloa. Our research illustrates the evolutionary and functional dynamics of a biosynthetic gene cluster within a plant genus.

Effectiveness of Integrating the 5E’s Learning Cycle Strategy and Stepans' Conceptual Change Model in Enhancing Second-Grade Students' Acquisition of Scientific Concepts and Habits of Mind

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of integrating the 5E’s Learning Cycle Strategy and Stepans' Conceptual Change Model to acquire scientific concepts and develop the habits of mind among second-grade students in Jordan. A quasi-experimental design was employed on 49 second-grade students (male and female) from Al-Hijaz School in Qasaba Amman Directorate during the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. The students were randomly assigned into an experimental group (24 students) and a control group (25 students). A teacher's guide for the unit "Interaction of Organisms and the Environment" from the second-grade science textbook was prepared based on the integrated strategy to achieve the study's objectives. In addition, an acquisition test of scientific concepts of 17 multiple-choice questions and a habits-of-mind scale with 24 items were developed, and then their validity and reliability were checked. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrated strategy combining the 5E’s Learning Cycle Strategy and Stepans' Conceptual Change Model in acquiring scientific concepts and habits of mind among second-grade students compared to the control group. The study recommended adopting the integrated strategy in science education across all educational stages.

Bionic Recognition Technologies Inspired by Biological Mechanosensory Systems.

Mechanical information is a medium for perceptual interaction and health monitoring of organisms or intelligent mechanical equipment, including force, vibration, sound, and flow. Researchers are increasingly deploying mechanical information recognition technologies (MIRT) that integrate information acquisition, pre-processing, and processing functions and are expected to enable advanced applications. However, this also poses significant challenges to information acquisition performance and information processing efficiency. The novel and exciting mechanosensory systems of organisms in nature have inspired us to develop superior mechanical information bionic recognition technologies (MIBRT) based on novel bionic materials, structures, and devices to address these challenges. Herein, first bionic strategies for information pre-processing are presented and their importance for high-performance information acquisition is highlighted. Subsequently, design strategies and considerations for high-performance sensors inspired by mechanoreceptors of organisms are described. Then, the design concepts of the neuromorphic devices are summarized in order to replicate the information processing functions of a biological nervous system. Additionally, the ability of MIBRT is investigated to recognize basic mechanical information. Furthermore, further potential applications of MIBRT in intelligent robots, healthcare, and virtual reality are explored with a view to solve a range of complex tasks. Finally, potential future challenges and opportunities for MIBRT are identified from multiple perspectives.

Grassland degradation-induced soil organic carbon loss associated with micro-food web simplification

Soil micro-food webs play a vital role in sustaining soil carbon cycling and stocks through the activities and interactions of individual organisms. However, grassland degradation disrupts these micro-food webs and is expected to reduce soil carbon stocks. This hypothesis was tested along degradation transects that were established in alpine meadows and steppes in arid regions, examining how multitrophic organisms and microbial metabolic efficiency respond to grassland degradation and how these responses relate to soil organic carbon (SOC). Grassland degradation reduced microbial necromass accumulation coefficient (the ratio of microbial necromass carbon to microbial biomass carbon) and increased microbial metabolic quotient (the ratio of soil respiration rate to microbial biomass carbon), indicating that microbes may prioritize SOC decomposition for resource acquisition over growth and necromass accumulation. Degradation led to increased bacterial and fungal diversity, reduced protist and nematode diversity, and simplified the structure of micro-food web (network complexity). Overall, grassland degradation reduced microbial metabolic efficiency, linked to reduced plant biomass, lower soil clay content, and a simplified micro-food web—particularly weakening interactions among microbes, microbivores, and predators—which is associated with SOC loss in degraded grasslands. These findings indicate the necessity of maintaining micro-food web structures to promote soil carbon sequestration in degraded grasslands.

Sedimentary facies controlled biogeochemical process of biotic extinction and turnover across the Cambrian SPICE event

The Steptoean positive carbon isotope excursion (SPICE) event, one of the largest carbon cycle perturbations in the Cambrian, coincides with shallow-shelf-fauna extinction and plankton revolution (critical transition of plankton). The event is globally documented, but biogeochemical responses of these biotic evolutions in varying facies environments are not well understood. Here high-resolution paired δ18Ocarb, δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg datasets from varied paleodepth environments in the Tarim Basin, NW China reveal facies-dependent signatures of the event, with globally synchronous patterns but notable intra-basinal variability. Shallow marine facies record the end-Marjuman extinction with a distinct negative δ13Corg excursion prior to the event, while the transitional facies region marks twice positive δ13C excursions corresponding to an asynchronous plankton revolution from shallow and deep areas during the event. The varying isotope responses are interpreted in the context of primary productivity and redox conditions, with deeper basins recording more 13C enriched signals (i.e., higher δ13C) due to greater organic matter preservation under anoxic conditions, compared to the platform area. The biotic extinction, the planktonic revolution and the interaction of organisms along the shallow to deep marine depth gradient were reflected by the significant isotopic shifts recorded during the event, suggesting depth-dependent biogeochemical processes that shaped marine ecosystems.

Simulation of Somatic Evolution Through the Introduction of Random Mutation to the Rules of Conway’s Game of Life

Abstract Introduction Conway’s Game of Life (GOL), and related cellular automata (CA) models, have served as interesting simulations of complex behaviors resulting from simple rules of interactions between neighboring cells, that sometime resemble the growth and reproduction of living things. Thus, CA has been applied towards understanding the interaction and reproduction of single-cell organisms, and the growth of larger, disorganized tissues such as tumors. Surprisingly, however, there have been few attempts to adapt simple CA models to recreate the evolution of either new species, or subclones within a multicellular, tumor-like tissue. Methods In this article, I present a modified form of the classic Conway’s GOL simulation, in which the three integer thresholds that define GOL (number of neighboring cells, below which a cell will “die of loneliness”; number of neighboring cells, above which a cell will die of overcrowding; and number of neighboring cells that will result in spontaneous birth of a new cell within an empty lattice location) are occasionally altered with a randomized mutation of fractional magnitude during new “cell birth” events. Newly born cells “inherit” the current mutation state of a neighboring parent cell, and over the course of 10,000 generations these mutations tend to accumulate until they impact the behaviors of individual cells, causing them to transition from the sparse, small patterns of live cells characteristic of GOL into a more dense, unregulated growth resembling a connected tumor tissue. Results The mutation rate and mutation magnitude were systematically varied in repeated randomized simulation runs, and it was determined that the most important mutated rule for the transition to unregulated, tumor-like growth was the overcrowding threshold, with the spontaneous birth and loneliness thresholds being of secondary importance. Spatial maps of the different “subclones” of cells that spontaneously develop during a typical simulation trial reveal that cells with greater fitness will overgrow the lattice and proliferate while the less fit, “wildtype” GOL cells die out and are replaced with mutant cells. Conclusions This simple modeling approach can be easily modified to add complexity and more realistic biological details, and may yield new understanding of cancer and somatic evolution.

Early Pennsylvanian Lagerstätte reveals a diverse ecosystem on a subhumid, alluvial fan

Much of what we know about terrestrial life during the Carboniferous Period comes from Middle Pennsylvanian (~315–307 Mya) Coal Measures deposited in low-lying wetland environments1–5. We know relatively little about terrestrial ecosystems from the Early Pennsylvanian, which was a critical interval for the diversification of insects, arachnids, tetrapods, and seed plants6–10. Here we report a diverse Early Pennsylvanian trace and body fossil Lagerstätte (~320–318 Mya) from the Wamsutta Formation of eastern North America, distinct from coal-bearing deposits, preserved in clastic substrates within basin margin conglomerates. The exceptionally preserved trace fossils and body fossils document a range of vertebrates, invertebrates and plant taxa (n = 131), with 83 distinct foliage morphotypes. Plant-insect interactions include what may be the earliest evidence of insect oviposition. This site expands our knowledge of early terrestrial ecosystems and organismal interactions and provides ground truth for future phylogenetic reconstructions of key plant, arthropod, and vertebrate groups.

Ecological interactions in glacier environments: a review of studies on a model Alpine glacier.

Glaciers host a variety of cold-adapted taxa, many of which have not yet been described. Interactions among glacier organisms are even less clear. Understanding ecological interactions is crucial to unravelling the functioning of glacier ecosystems, particularly in light of current glacier retreat. Through a review of the existing literature, we aim to provide a first overview of the biodiversity, primary production, trophic networks, and matter flow of a glacier ecosystem. We use the Forni Glacier (Central Italian Alps) - one of the best studied alpine glaciers in the world - as a model system for our literature review and integrate additional original data. We reveal the importance of allochthonous organic matter inputs, of Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic green algae in primary production, and the key role of springtails (Vertagopus glacialis) on the glacier surface in sustaining populations of two apex terrestrial predators: Nebria castanea (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Pardosa saturatior (Araneae: Lycosidae). The cryophilic tardigrade Cryobiotus klebelsbergi is the apex consumer in cryoconite holes. This short food web highlights the fragility of nodes represented by invertebrates, contrasting with structured microbial communities in all glacier habitats. Although further research is necessary to quantify the ecological interactions of glacier organisms, this review summarises and integrates existing knowledge about the ecological processes on alpine glaciers and supports the importance of glacier-adapted organisms in providing ecosystem services.

Bioadministration: A Concept for Analyzing Human and Non-Human Organism Interaction in Organizational Studies within the Context of Longevity

Embark on a thought-provoking exploration with us as we delve into the fascinating world of bio-administration—a convergence point where the intricacies of biology intersect with the dynamics of organizational management. Authored by an interdisciplinary team comprising the vision of an oncologist, on guidance of an economics professor and a public administration professor, this article sheds light on the emerging concept of bio-administration and its implications for organizational theory and practice. From the fundamental workings of life to the complex structures of human society, join us on this insightful journey as we uncover the synergies between biology and organizational dynamics.

Impact of Allelochemicals in Crop Protection Management: A Review

One of the most serious issues is biotic stress in plants produced by insect pests, which results in production losses. Synthetic pesticides continue to play an important role in crop protection. Yet, the environmental consequences and health risks caused by excessive or improper use of synthetic pesticides compelled authorities to ban some dangerous ones. As a result, there is an urgent need for unique and alternative insect pest management strategies. Allelopathy is a naturally occurring ecological phenomenon of organism interaction that can be used to manage weeds, insect pests, and illnesses in field crops. Allelopathy can be utilized in field crops after rotation, using cover crops, mulching, crop smothering, and plant extracts for natural pest management. Allelochemicals in soil are adsorbed on soil solids and decomposed during soil movement by chemical and biological reactions. Its behavior is influenced by soil characteristics such as soil texture, organic and inorganic matter, moisture, and organisms, all of which have an impact on phytotoxic activity in soil. Although allelochemicals are produced throughout the plant, root exudation is the principal source of chemical release into the soil environment. Therefore, this review will focus on the role of insect-pest management, factors affecting production and release of allelochemicals, their activity and limitations in insect-pest management.

Comparative case study on NAMs: towards enhancing specific target organ toxicity analysis

Traditional risk assessment methodologies in toxicology have relied upon animal testing, despite concerns regarding interspecies consistency, reproducibility, costs, and ethics. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including cell culture and multi-level omics analyses, hold promise by providing mechanistic information rather than assessing organ pathology. However, NAMs face limitations, like lacking a whole organism and restricted toxicokinetic interactions. This is an inherent challenge when it comes to the use of omics data from in vitro studies for the prediction of organ toxicity in vivo. One solution in this context are comparative in vitro–in vivo studies as they allow for a more detailed assessment of the transferability of the respective NAM data. Hence, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic pesticide active substances were tested in human cell lines and the results subsequently related to the biology underlying established effects in vivo. To this end, substances were tested in HepaRG and RPTEC/tERT1 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations and analyzed for effects on the transcriptome and parts of the proteome using quantitative real-time PCR arrays and multiplexed microsphere-based sandwich immunoassays, respectively. Transcriptomics data were analyzed using three bioinformatics tools. Where possible, in vitro endpoints were connected to in vivo observations. Targeted protein analysis revealed various affected pathways, with generally fewer effects present in RPTEC/tERT1. The strongest transcriptional impact was observed for Chlorotoluron in HepaRG cells (increased CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 expression). A comprehensive comparison of early cellular responses with data from in vivo studies revealed that transcriptomics outperformed targeted protein analysis, correctly predicting up to 50% of in vivo effects.

Chemometric analysis using infrared spectroscopy and PCA-LDA for early diagnosis of Fusarium oxysporum in tomato

AbstractThe interaction of phytopathogenic organisms and plants generates physiological and biochemical changes in the latter. However, the effects on the plants are rarely visible in the infection first stages. Novel optical techniques can help to improve the early detection of phytopathogenic organisms in tomato without the plant sacrifice. In this work, infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods were used to determinate the effects of Fusarium oxysporum in tomato plants cultivated in pots, analyzing fully expanded leaves. Fusarium oxysporum was molecular identified and its pathogenicity was tested in vitro. Three plants treatments were evaluated for 55 days post infection in pots in greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions: control, water stress, and fungal inoculated (1 × 108 conidia/mL). Phenotypical results were followed twice a week for eight weeks; the phenotypical characteristics were very similar in almost all sampling times except in height, especially in the first 27 days post infection, after this time the height was similar in the three treatments. The stalk and root-dried matter analysis do not show statistical differences; however, the infrared results, acquired from the adaxial surface of leaves, show differences in peaks associated with salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and proline in the first 27 days post infection. The principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis were used to distinguish subtle biochemical changes between the three treatments, facilitating the early detection of the pathogen and its monitoring over time.

Identifying Key Genes and Their Associated Molecular Pathways in Lupus Nephritis-Osteoporosis: An In-Silico Analysis

Nephritis and osteoporosis are debilitating medical conditions that significantly impact human health and reduce quality of life. To develop potential therapeutic strategies for these disorders necessitates understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms. Here, we employed bioinformatics techniques purposed to find key genes and associated pathways responsible for nephritis-osteoporosis comorbidity. Six microarray datasets of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and osteoporosis were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Post normalization of data sets LIMMA package was utilized for differential expression analysis, among the datasets 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The identified 44 genes were further analyzed for gene ontology (GO) where it was found that these genes are involved in defense response, organism interactions, and response to external stimuli. In predicting the molecular function, they were involved in several biological processes including binding to lipopolysaccharides and having peptidase and hydrolase activities. Firstly, the identified genes were primarily associated with certain granules such as specific granules and secretory granules in the aspect of cellular components. Enrichment analysis pointed out the potential pathways linked to the immune system, neutrophil degranulation, innate immunity, and immune response to tuberculosis. To examine interactions among DEGs, a complex protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built, resulting in the identification of seven hub genes, CXCL8, ELANE, LCN2, MMP8, IFIT1, MX1, and ISG15. The study suggests that these elucidated hub genes might have high potential to be exploited as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in nephritis-osteoporosis. Taken together, this study provided deeper insights into the genetic and molecular basis for the comorbidity of nephritis and osteoporosis.

Sustainable Production: Integrating Medicinal Plants with Fish Farming in Aquaponics—A Mini Review

Aquaponics, defined as a sustainable technology combining aquaculture and hydroponics, integrates plant and fish production into one system. Aquaponics technology offers several major advantages over conventional methods of raising fish and/or plants. In this system, plants act as a natural biological filter, purifying the water so that the same amount can be used repeatedly. Fish, on the other hand, are a natural source of nutrients. This contributes to the aquaponics system’s substantial economic potential, thanks to its use of virtually free nutrients, dramatically reduced water consumption, and the elimination of filter systems, making this system innovative and sustainable. On the other hand, the use of medicinal plants for the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries is often associated with a decrease in their natural reserves. Utilizing aquaponics for the production of medicinal plants could reduce the pressure on these natural reserves. As a result, aquaponics has emerged as one of the most environmentally friendly methods of cultivating plant species. The concept of aquaponics, which evolved from traditional hydroponic systems, has gained worldwide recognition through the effective use of symbiosis. It refers to the coexistence and interaction of different organisms, facilitating their growth and life cycle processes. Unlike hydroponics, which requires the purification of nutrient solutions due to plant waste, aquaponics takes advantage of the natural cycle of waste and nutrient exchange between plants and fish. Fish waste serves as organic fertilizer for the plants, while the plants help purify the water for the fish. This symbiotic relationship not only reduces the environmental impact associated with aquaculture wastewater but also provides a sustainable method of food production. The integrated system reduces infrastructure costs, conserves water, and minimizes the potential for environmental pollution. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for increased profitability from both crop and fish production. Cultivation of medicinal plants within aquaponic systems can be carried out year-round, offering a continuous supply of valuable pharmacological resources. This review examines suitable medicinal plants for aquaponic cultivation and evaluates their pharmacological benefits to humans.

Agricultural landscape simplification affects wild plant reproduction indirectly through herbivore-mediated changes in floral display

As natural landscapes are modified and converted into simplified agricultural landscapes, the community composition and interactions of organisms persisting in these modified landscapes are altered. While many studies examine the consequences of these changing interactions for crops, few have evaluated the effects on wild plants. Here, we examine how pollinator and herbivore interactions affect reproductive success for wild resident and phytometer plants at sites along a landscape gradient ranging from natural to highly simplified. We tested the direct and indirect effects of landscape composition on plant traits and reproduction mediated by insect interactions. For phytometer plants exposed to herbivores, we found that greater landscape complexity corresponded with elevated herbivore damage, which reduced total flower production but increased individual flower size. Though larger flowers increased pollination, the reduction in flowers ultimately reduced plant reproductive success. Herbivory was also higher in complex landscapes for resident plants, but overall damage was low and therefore did not have a cascading effect on floral display and reproduction. This work highlights that landscape composition directly affects patterns of herbivory with cascading effects on pollination and wild plant reproduction. Further, the absence of an effect on reproduction for resident plants suggests that they may be adapted to their local insect community.

A rich coprolite assemblage from Angeac-Charente (France): A glimpse into trophic interactions within an Early Cretaceous freshwater swamp

Coprolites (fossil droppings) are common in the Mesozoic fossil record. However, coprolite assemblages from continental settings have more rarely been quantitatively analysed than the marine ones. The excavation of the Berriasian continental Lagerstätte of Angeac-Charente (France) during the last decade has resulted in unearthing a vast number of fossils, including ca. 6000 coprolite specimens. This large collection, accompanied by spatially landmarked depositional data, offers a unique opportunity to assess the organism interactions in an Early Cretaceous freshwater swamp ecosystem. We assign the coprolites to nine morphotypes based on their morphology and contents (using tomography and thin-sections), and to four taphonomic categories. We compare the specimens to other fossil and recent droppings, including newly imaged crocodilian faeces. While the Angeac-Charente biota comprised animals of a range of different ecologies, including waters primary inhabitants (chelonians, crocodylomorphs, actinopterygians) and a variety of dinosaurs, the coprolites, together with other ichnological evidence, such as bite marks, seem to largely illustrate the activity of the crocodylomorphs in this ancient swamp. The assemblage is compared to previously analysed continental Cretaceous copro-assemblages from Europe and North Africa.

Fighting Biofilm Bearing Microbes, Global Challenges, Initiatives and Current Novel Therapeutics/Antibiofilm Strategies: A Narrative Scientific Record

Microbial survival against diverse anti-biocidal agents has advance beyond single organism interaction into intricate sessile cells consisting dynamic three-dimensional extracellular complex matrix of water channels. Such complex architecture is built with heterogeneous and variable components that encourage failure of antimicrobial-chemotherapeutic strides especially among biofilm bearing/expressing microbes (BBM). This is a noteworthy public health concern as such occurrence has welcomed global attention in recent times with focus on fighting BBM as well as exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. A narrative scientific description of biofilm as a community of microbes wrapped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was reviewed. The challenges on disease/infection recalcitrance, risk to public health and the necessity to develop novel therapeutics for the management/control and suppression of biofilm linked infections were emphasized. It also summarized potential approaches including the use of antibiofilm/anti-adhesion agents, antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), aptamers, Nano-Particulates (NPs), quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs), and peptide or protein-based nucleic acids (PNAs) while discussing the agents efficient potential ability. Such anti-biofilm agents/mechanisms and their target-specific-therapeutic relevance promises future for the management/control of biofilm associated microbial infections. Its application may also herald a generational effective combination therapy against illnesses/infections caused by BBM and served as a potential source for BBM global control.

Macrofaunal diversity patterns in coastal marine sediments: re-examining common metrics and methods

Complex biodiversity patterns arise in marine systems due to overlapping ecological processes, including organism interactions, resource distribution, and environmental conditions. Despite the importance of documenting these patterns, describing diversity in natural ecosystems remains challenging. Here, we investigate 3 nearshore sub-Arctic sites to describe benthic macroinfaunal taxa and biological traits, with the ultimate aim of determining whether common diversity metrics and typical sampling efforts adequately capture community composition in these systems. First, we assess how diversity relates to sediment depth and examine relationships among commonly used taxonomic and functional diversity indices. Second, using a power analysis, we explore how sampling effort influences the interpretation of diversity patterns in coastal systems. We report significant variation in community composition among sites, even across small spatial scales of km, and find that taxonomically diverse communities do not necessarily correspond to high functional diversity. We further find that although environmental factors such as sediment depth consistently affect macroinfaunal diversity, the direction and magnitude of these relationships are site-dependent. Finally, we demonstrate that typical sampling effort for coastal benthic studies (for example, <5 push cores of ~7 cm diameter) may not capture macroinfaunal community composition adequately, potentially obscuring hotspots in common diversity metrics such as taxonomic or functional richness. However, indices such as Simpson’s diversity may be well-suited to resource-limited studies with restricted sampling capacity. Our results highlight the importance of adopting multi-pronged approaches to biodiversity assessment and determining optimal sample sizes for marine benthic systems, particularly in the context of biodiversity monitoring for conservation purposes.

Plastic Litter Emits the Foraging Infochemical Dimethyl Sulfide after Submersion in Freshwater Rivers.

Plastic pollution is widespread throughout aquatic environments globally, with many organisms known to interact with and ingest plastic. In marine environments, microbial biofilms that form on plastic surfaces can produce the odorous compound dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which is a known foraging cue. This has been shown to increase the ingestion of plastic by some invertebrates and therefore act as a biological factor which influences the risks of plastic to marine ecosystems. In freshwater however, the production of DMS has been largely overlooked, despite the known sensitivity of some freshwater species to this compound. To address this gap, the present study analyzed the production of DMS by biofilms which formed on low-density polyethylene and polylactic acid films after 3 and 6 weeks of submersion in either a rural or an urban United Kingdom river. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the production of DMS by these biofilms was consistently identified. The amount of DMS produced varied significantly across river locations and materials, with surfaces in the urban river generally producing a stronger signal and plastics producing up to seven times more DMS than glass control surfaces. Analysis of biofilm weight and photosynthetic pigment content indicated differences in biofilm composition across conditions and suggested that DMS production was largely driven by nonphotosynthetic taxa. For the first time this work has documented the production of DMS by plastic litter after submersion in freshwater rivers. Further work is now needed to determine if, as seen in marine systems, this production of DMS can encourage the interaction of freshwater organisms with plastic litter and therefore operate as a biological risk factor in the impacts of plastic on freshwater environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1485-1496. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Spatial co-transcriptomics reveals discrete stages of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

The symbiotic interaction of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is ancient and widespread. Plants provide AM fungi with carbon in exchange for nutrients and water, making this interaction a prime target for crop improvement. However, plant–fungal interactions are restricted to a small subset of root cells, precluding the application of most conventional functional genomic techniques to study the molecular bases of these interactions. Here we used single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing to explore both Medicago truncatula and Rhizophagus irregularis transcriptomes in AM symbiosis at cellular and spatial resolution. Integrated, spatially registered single-cell maps revealed infected and uninfected plant root cell types. We observed that cortex cells exhibit distinct transcriptome profiles during different stages of colonization by AM fungi, indicating dynamic interplay between both organisms during establishment of the cellular interface enabling successful symbiosis. Our study provides insight into a symbiotic relationship of major agricultural and environmental importance and demonstrates a paradigm combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics for the analysis of complex organismal interactions.