Sludge sequencing surprise: high-throughput single-cell method reveals novel species and genetic diversity

Pioneering research utilizes high-throughput single-cell sequencing to demystify the microbial universe within activated sludge, a cornerstone of wastewater treatment. This study has unearthed a plethora of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and has pointed to the existence of previously unknown microbial species, significantly advancing our comprehension of microbial diversity and the mechanisms of genetic exchange within this environment.