Gifting future scientists the past through well-preserved specimens of modern microbial ecosystems.

Eren, A Murat · Nat Commun · 2025

Where this comes from

Abstract

Historical specimens have enabled transformative insights across kingdoms and ecosystems with new technologies, yet microbes remain largely overlooked in preservation efforts. As we recognize microbial communities as fundamental drivers of planetary health, comprehensive microbial archiving becomes an urgent intergenerational responsibility.