L. M. Ward

Expanded Genomic Sampling of the DesulfobulbalesReveals Distribution and Evolution of Sulfur Metabolisms

The paper expands genomic sampling of Desulfobulbales to study the distribution and evolution of sulfur metabolisms, revealing convergent transitions from sulfate reduction to sulfur disproportionation.

Phototrophy and carbon fixation in Chlorobi postdate the rise of oxygen

This study shows that Chlorobi bacteria evolved anoxygenic phototrophy and carbon fixation after the rise of oxygen, challenging their role in early Earth biosphere.

Inter-domain Horizontal Gene Transfer of Nickel-binding Superoxide Dismutase

This study examines the phylogenetic history of the nickel-binding SOD gene (sodN), revealing inter-domain horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to archaea and its adaptation to oceanic conditions.

Complex history of aerobic respiration and phototrophy in the Chloroflexota class Anaerolineae revealed by high-quality draft genome of Ca. Roseilinea mizusawaensis AA3_104

The paper presents a high-quality genome of Roseilinea mizusawaensis, revealing its ability to perform anoxygenic photoheterotrophy and proposing a new family classification within the Chloroflexota.

Changes in ATP sulfurylase activityin response to altered cyanobacteria growth conditions.

The paper examines changes in ATP sulfurylase activity in two cyanobacterial strains under different growth conditions and finds a decrease in enzyme activity not linked to growth rate.

Phanerozoic Radiation of Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria

This study estimates the timing of bacterial ammonia oxidation evolution using phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses, finding it originated in the Neoproterozoic and radiated during the Paleozoic.

Granick Revisited: Synthesizing Evolutionary and Ecological Evidence for the Late Origin of Bacteriochlorophyll via Ghost Lineages and Horizontal Gene Transfer

The paper re-examines the evolutionary history of photosynthesis by analyzing horizontal gene transfer and ecological factors in phototrophic organisms.

Geochemical and metagenomic characterization of Jinata Onsen, a Proterozoic-analog hot spring, reveals novel microbial diversity including iron-tolerant phototrophs and thermophilic lithotrophs

The paper characterizes the geochemistry and microbial communities of Jinata Onsen, revealing novel microbial diversity and insights into Proterozoic-like ecosystems.

Evolutionary Implications of Anoxygenic Phototrophy in the Bacterial Phylum Candidatus Eremiobacterota (WPS-2)

The paper investigates the evolutionary and genetic diversity of phototrophic WPS-2 bacteria, identifying a new family of photochemical reaction centers and proposing new phylum names.