Martin F. Polz

Genomically and ecologically cohesive subspecies as biologically meaningful units in the global ocean microbiome

The paper identifies genomically discrete and ecologically cohesive subspecies in the global ocean microbiome, showing they are biologically meaningful units driven by environmental factors.

Genome-wide sweeps create fundamental ecological units in the human gut microbiome

The paper identifies genome-wide selective sweeps in the human gut microbiome, revealing ecologically distinct populations linked to age and colorectal cancer.

Single-cell mass accumulation reveals bacterioplankton growth rate in native seawater

The paper measures growth rates of Vibrio bacteria in seawater using a single-cell chemostat, finding they grow consistently and are carbon-limited despite being rare.

Bacterial peptide deformylase inhibitors induce prophages in competitors

The paper shows that a metabolite from Vibrio ordalii induces prophages in competing Vibrio species by inhibiting peptide deformylase, enhancing competitive advantage through prophage activation.

Fine-scale spatial patterns in hot springs mat bacterial communities

This study examines macroecological patterns in bacterial communities of hot springs mats at a fine spatial scale, finding sublinear species-area scaling and increasing abundance-occupancy trends.

Interpretable machine learning reveals a diverse arsenal of anti-defenses in bacterial viruses

The paper uses interpretable machine learning to identify anti-defense genes in bacterial viruses, revealing their ability to counteract diverse bacterial immune systems.