Below are recent publications by IM students, faculty, and affiliates. Would you like your research showcased? Send your paper to duavang@iastate.edu in time for the next edition!

Bold Indicates ISU faculty and affiliates 

^Indicates publications by IM students

1. Pickering, Brad S, Greg Smith, Mathieu M. Pinette, Carissa Embury-Hyatt, Estella Moffat, Peter Marszal, and ^Charles E Lewis. Susceptibility of Domestic Swine to Experimental Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021;27(1):104-112. CDC Article

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent that causes coronavirus disease, has been shown to infect several species. The role of domestic livestock and associated risks for humans in close contact with food production animals remains unknown for many species. Determining the susceptibility of pigs to SARS-CoV-2 is critical to a One Health approach to manage potential risk for zoonotic transmission. We found that pigs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 after oronasal inoculation. Among 16 animals, we detected viral RNA in group oral fluids and in nasal wash from 2 pigs, but live virus was isolated from only 1 pig. Antibodies also were detected in only 2 animals at 11 and 13 days postinoculation but were detected in oral fluid samples at 6 days postinoculation, indicating antibody secretion. These data highlight the need for additional livestock assessment to determine the potential role of domestic animals in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

2. Swanner ED, ^Lambrecht N, Wittkop C, Harding C, Katsev S, Torgeson J, and SW Poulton. “The biogeochemistry of ferruginous lakes and past ferruginous oceans.” (2020) Earth-Science Reviews, 211:103430. pdf

Summary: This invited review highlights how microbes contribute to biogeochemical cycling of carbon through carbon fixation, heterotrophy, and methane cycling, as well as many other elemental cycles in iron-rich or “ferruginous” lakes and past oceans. Dr. Nick Lambrecht (IM PhD ’19) was a contributing author.

3. Lee J, Choi J, Fatka M, Swanner ED, Ikuma K, Liang X, Leung T, and A Howe. “Improved detection of mcyA genes and their phylogenetic origins in harmful algal blooms.” (2020) Water Research, 176(115730). pdf

Summary: This work designed and tested primers for genes involved in production of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin. This collaboration included 3 IM faculty (Swanner, Ikuma, Howe) and was funded by the EPA.

4.Wittkop C, Swanner ED, Grengs A, ^Lambrecht N, Myrbo A, Bray AW, Poulton SW, and S Katsev. “Evaluating a primary carbonate pathway for manganese enrichments in reducing environments.” (2020) Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 538(116201). pdf

Summary: This work presented a hypothesis of how manganese carbonate might form in aquatic settings by manipulation of the geochemical environment by microbial processes such as oxygenic photosynthesis and methanotrophy. Dr. Nick Lambrecht (IM PhD ’19) was a contributing author.