New Antarctic Bacteria Genera and Species Identified by Chinese Scientists

Chinese scientists from the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) have identified six new genera and seven new species of Antarctic bacteria. The discoveries resulted from analyzing Antarctic samples collected during multiple voyages. The PRIC has standardized the preservation of over 3,500 strains of polar microorganisms, accumulating nearly 30,000 samples across 185 genera. This collection provides a theoretical foundation for exploring and utilizing new polar microbial resources. The unique ecosystems of the poles, shaped by geographic isolation, host novel microbial strains and represent a valuable resource for studying biological genetics and species diversity.