Opening the blackbox on the diversity and evolution of novel methanogens (2017-2021)

This project aims to characterize novel methane-metabolising microorganisms from previously unrecognised lineages to understand their contribution to the global carbon cycle. To date, only a small fraction of microbial diversity has been characterised, consequently there are significant gaps in our understanding of carbon cycling. Recent evidence has indicated the existence of undiscovered and widely distributed microorganisms involved in methane metabolism, however, their metabolic capabilities remains unknown. The proposed research will lead to a greater understanding of the contribution these lineages make to global carbon cycling and their impact on climate change.