Abstract. Zygnematophycean “glacier algae” form extensive blooms on ablating glacier surfaces despite the ultra-oligotrophic conditions apparent. Previous

Ribosome hibernation preserves translation machinery during stress, yet its mechanisms in Archaea remain poorly defined. Here we identify Hib, a previously unrecognized family of archaeal hibernation factors. Genetic, structural and biochemical analyses show that Hib binds ribosomal subunits, blocking the mRNA channel and tRNA sites to inactivate translation. Deletion of hib in Thermococcus barophilus delays recovery from stationary phase and reduces 70S ribosome pools, establishing its role in ribosome preservation. Hib displays a unique modular architecture, combining a bacterial-like HPF module with tandem CBS domains. Cryo-EM structures reveal conformational heterogeneity of Hib:ribosome complexes, consistent with dynamic engagement, and the CBS-containing N-terminal domain binds adenine nucleotides, suggesting a link between hibernation and energy status. These findings define Hib as a key archaeal hibernation factor and provide a framework for understanding ribosome dormancy and adaptation across all domains of life. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Agence Nationale de la Recherche, https://ror.org/00rbzpz17, ANR-25-CE12-4161

Abstract The work aimed at investigation of the taxonomic composition of microbial communities in the samples from Pechora Sea sediments and to assess its potential ability to degrade hydrocarbons and oil. Increased relative abundance of members of specific microbial groups in enrichments with various hydrocarbons (HCs) as sole carbon and energy sources was used as the criterion of this ability. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V4 fragment was used to determine the taxonomic composition of microbial communities in the sediment samples and in enrichments with crude oil, n-nonane, n-octadecane, pristane, cyclohexane, and biphenyl, as well as in the control cultures from hydrocarbon-free enrichment cultures. Enrichment cultures with hydrocarbons were found to contain members of the genera Microbacterium, Janibacter, Nocardioides, Rhodococcus, Demequina, Arthrobacter, Novosphingobium, Erythrobacter, Altererythrobacter and Planococcus, as well as unidentified members of the families Sphingomonadaceae and Flavobacteriaceae, which were not revealed by NGS sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments from environmental samples and control enrichment cultures.

Podcast Episode · Science Friday · 10/11/2025 · 19m

In the vast and complex realm of microbial ecosystems, methanogens occupy a unique and indispensable niche. These archaea, well-known for their ability to produce methane as a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, play critical roles in both natural environments and engineered wastewater treatment systems. Recent studies have highlighted their contribution not only to carbon cycling but also to bioenergy recovery, making them pivotal players in the global pursuit of sustainable environmental management.

This structure of an archaeal tailed virus (arTV) provides detailed insights into arTV assembly and infection mechanisms.

The WOR-3 phylum represents a widespread but poorly understood bacterial lineage inhabiting diverse various environments. By integrating 181 metagenome-assembled genomes, including 59 newly reconstruc...

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