Emerging Frontiers in Geomicrobiology
Résumé
The interdisciplinary fi eld of geomicrobiology and microbial geochemistry
(GMG) has provided surprising insights into microbial function
and preservation in diverse environments. The emerging frontiers in
GMG are driven by recent discoveries in material sciences, economic geology,
human health, and paleontology. The length-scales and mechanisms by which
organisms can transfer electrons are being redefi ned, which have implications
ranging from the formation of ore deposits to microbial function in the
human body. Pathways of biomineralization are a critical control for many
fossilization processes. Microbiologically produced materials also exhibit great
potential for technological and medical applications.