Widespread horizontal transfer and strong selection enhance microbial adaptation in Antarctic soils
A scientific study published in Nature Communications reveals that Antarctic soil microbes adapt to extreme conditions through horizontal gene transfer. The research highlights that genes related to aerotrophy are frequently exchanged and under strong selective pressure to ensure survival.
Why it matters
Understanding these microbial evolutionary mechanisms provides insights into how life persists in extreme environments and informs broader evolutionary biology.
Nature Communications ( 2026 ) Cite this article
We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.
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