Chinese scientists discover new Antarctic bacteria species

Chinese scientists have discovered six new genera and seven new species of Antarctic bacteria, state media reported Sunday.

Researchers from the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) identified them through Antarctic samples collected on multiple expeditions, according to Xinhua.  

PRIC has standardized the preservation of over 3,500 strains of polar microorganisms and accumulated nearly 30,000 samples across 185 genera. This extensive collection supports future research and potential applications of polar microbial resources.  

Shaped by long-term isolation, the polar regions host unique ecosystems rich in novel microorganisms, offering valuable insights into genetics and biodiversity.