As we explore the mysteries of nature, a fundamental question arises: how does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability? Several players in this intricate balance may be hidden within Microbial Dark Matter (MDM), a significant fraction of the microbial community yet to be identified or classified. Recent efforts have discovered hundreds of new organisms in MDM that have expanded the tree of life by 15% and are crucial in regulating biogeochemical cycles, such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, essential to the planet’s functioning. In this project, we will investigate MDM diversity and its interactions with the environment. We will dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms, thus discovering its ecological roles, from the depths of the oceans to our intestines.

The project is designed to explore the impact of climate change on microorganisms and water quality in aquifers, as well as the potential of these microorganisms to mitigate the effects of carbon sequestration. A diverse team of experts will leverage large data sets from public repositories and conduct field and laboratory experiments using state-of-the-art technologies. The application of integrated mathematical and computational models will complement these efforts. This comprehensive approach aims to better understand these complex interactions and their environmental implications.