Common beetle's gut microbiome benefits forests, holds promise for bioenergy
Monday, March 11, 2019 - 13:20
in Biology & Nature
New research shows how an insect common to the Eastern U.S., the long-horned passalid beetle, has a hardy digestive tract with microbes to thank for turning its woody diet into energy, food for its young, and nutrients for forest growth. These insights into how the beetle and its distinct microbiome have co-evolved provide a roadmap for the production of affordable, nature-derived fuels and bioproducts.