From genome predictions to living proof: the long road to cultivating deep-lineage methanogens

Summary

My PhD research focuses on methanogens—microbes that produce methane, a gas with both climate impact and potential as renewable energy. For decades, methanogens were thought to exist only within one archaeal group (Euryarchaeota). In my work, I isolated and demonstrated methanogens outside this group, showing that the novel type of methanogens is more diverse than previously recognized. To achieve this, I developed an isolation strategy, guided by microbial growth, enabling the cultivation of microbes once thought unculturable. These findings not only expand our understanding of microbial life but also underscore its relevance to climate and sustainable bioenergy.