100 million years ago – in the age of the dinosaurs, prehistoric microbes had been trapped in the subseafloor sediment. When they were brought back to the lab, they were found to still be alive. Why were they not fossilized? How were they revived? This work reveals the mystery of how microbial life in deep and starved subseafloor sediment has survived with much more left to be uncovered.

Ancient beer is hard to find, and new methods for identifying its remains are constantly being sought for. During their search for new ways of unlocking the secrets of charred prehistoric food crusts, an international team of archaeologists uncovered a new identification trait for foodstuffs made of malted grain. They also discovered the possibly oldest traces of brewing in central Europe.

A study of the surfaces, objects and the air inside and around rooms housing COVID-19 patients helps us to understand how infected people spread the virus. The results of this study can help protect doctors and nurses providing care and can help inform effective protective measures for everyone.

Nano-sized fragments of fungal cells were detected in air over an agricultural area in the U.S. Great Plains region. These atmospheric particles most likely arose from the bursting of whole fungal cells and may play roles in seeding clouds and in spreading fungal allergens.

Which parts of the USA and Europe are the highest polluters of artificial light? A new analysis of this measure reveals great differences between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean, detailed at the level of counties and provinces. Our studies show that overall, the USA produces polluting light three times more per capita than Europe.