Researchers discovered a brand new type of bacteria living inside coral in the South China Sea that has an unusual ability: it can produce vitamin B12, an important nutrient that many people struggle to get enough of. Scientists identified this bacterium, named it Marinivivus vitaminiproducens, and studied its genetic makeup and characteristics. This discovery is exciting because it shows that ocean corals host bacteria with potentially useful properties, and it might eventually help scientists find new ways to produce vitamin B12 naturally. The bacteria can survive in various ocean conditions, which makes it well-suited to its coral home.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Scientists wanted to identify and understand a new type of bacteria they found living inside a coral from the South China Sea, particularly focusing on its ability to make vitamin B12.
  • Who participated: The study examined one bacterial strain (called SCSIO 64248T) that was isolated from a stony coral called Fungia sp. collected from the South China Sea. No human participants were involved.
  • Key finding: Researchers discovered this bacterium is a completely new species and even a new genus (a higher category of classification). Importantly, it can produce vitamin B12, which is rare among bacteria and could have practical applications.
  • What it means for you: While this is basic science research, it suggests that ocean bacteria might be valuable sources for producing important nutrients like vitamin B12 in the future. However, this discovery is still in early stages and won’t immediately change how we get vitamins.

The Research Details

Scientists collected a coral sample from the South China Sea and isolated a bacterium from it. They then performed detailed laboratory tests to identify what type of bacterium it was. This included analyzing its genetic code (DNA), studying its physical appearance under a microscope, testing how it grows under different conditions (temperature, salt levels, and acidity), and examining its chemical composition. They compared their findings to known bacteria species to confirm they had discovered something new.

The researchers used a technique called phylogenetic analysis, which is like creating a family tree for bacteria based on their genetic similarities. They also sequenced the entire genome (complete genetic instruction manual) of the bacterium to understand its full genetic makeup. All these tests together confirmed this was a previously unknown species.

This research approach is important because it uses multiple methods to confirm a new discovery. Scientists don’t just look at one piece of evidence; they examine genetics, physical traits, growth patterns, and chemical composition. This thorough approach ensures the discovery is real and accurately classified. Finding new bacteria in ocean environments is valuable because these organisms often have unique abilities that could benefit humans, like producing vitamins or other useful compounds.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used standard, well-established methods for identifying and classifying bacteria. The study is based on solid laboratory work with detailed documentation. However, this is a single bacterial strain discovery, so the findings are limited to this one organism. The study doesn’t involve large sample sizes or human testing, which is normal for this type of microbiology research.

What the Results Show

The bacterium was confirmed to be a completely new species and even a new genus (a higher classification level), which the researchers named Marinivivus vitaminiproducens. The name reflects its ocean origin (marini-) and its ability to produce vitamins (-vitaminiproducens).

The bacterium has a genome (genetic code) of 4.9 million base pairs and contains 68.8% GC content, which are measurements that help classify bacteria. When compared to related bacteria species, it showed significant genetic differences (52-56.2% amino acid identity), confirming it’s genuinely new.

The bacteria forms pink, circular colonies and can survive in a wide range of conditions: temperatures from 4°C to 37°C (39°F to 99°F), pH levels from 6.0 to 10.0, and salt concentrations up to 8%. This adaptability makes it well-suited to ocean environments where conditions vary.

The researchers identified the bacterium’s chemical composition, including its fatty acids and respiratory quinone (Q-10), which are like the bacteria’s energy-producing machinery. The bacteria is aerobic, meaning it needs oxygen to survive, and it doesn’t move on its own. These characteristics help scientists understand how the bacterium functions and where it fits in the bacterial world.

This bacterium belongs to a family called Geminicoccaceae, but it’s different enough from all known members of this family to be classified as a new genus. The closest known relatives share only about 90% genetic similarity with this new bacterium, whereas new species typically share 97% or higher similarity. This confirms the discovery of something genuinely novel in the microbial world.

This study focuses on identifying and characterizing a single bacterial strain. The research doesn’t test the bacterium’s vitamin B12 production in detail or explore practical applications. The study is limited to laboratory conditions and doesn’t examine how the bacterium functions within the coral in its natural environment. Additionally, only one coral sample was studied, so we don’t know how common this bacterium is or whether similar bacteria exist in other corals or ocean locations.

The Bottom Line

This is basic science research, so there are no direct health recommendations for the general public at this time. However, scientists and biotechnology companies may be interested in studying this bacterium further for potential applications in vitamin B12 production. Confidence level: This is early-stage research that opens doors for future investigation.

Microbiologists and biotechnology researchers should care about this discovery as it expands our knowledge of ocean bacteria and their capabilities. People interested in sustainable food production or alternative sources of vitamin B12 might find this relevant in the future. The general public should be aware that this is foundational research that might eventually lead to practical applications, but those applications are not yet available.

This is a discovery phase of research. It typically takes many years of additional study before laboratory discoveries translate into real-world applications. If this bacterium’s vitamin B12-producing ability proves useful, it could take 5-10+ years before any commercial applications emerge.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users interested in vitamin B12 sources could track their current B12 intake from food sources and supplements. Once the app learns about this research, users could set a reminder to check back on developments in alternative B12 production methods.
  • While this research doesn’t immediately change behavior, users could use the app to explore and track their current vitamin B12 sources and ensure adequate intake. They could also set a goal to learn more about emerging food science discoveries.
  • Users could monitor their vitamin B12 levels through regular blood work (if recommended by their doctor) and track dietary sources of B12. The app could provide updates on emerging research about new B12 production methods as they develop.

This research describes the discovery and classification of a new bacterium species. It is basic science research and does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. The vitamin B12-producing ability of this bacterium has been identified but not yet developed into any consumer products or medical applications. Anyone with concerns about vitamin B12 deficiency should consult with a healthcare provider. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.