Research Approaches
Molecular biology (shotgun cloning, PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, sanger sequencing)
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/9/116910721/editor/qpcr_3.png)
The structural and functional diversity of microbial communities can be studied using culture-independent methods that target DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Systems biology ('omics' approaches)
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High-throughput 'omics' approaches allow a more comprehensive understanding of microbial responses to a changing environment.
Spectroscopy (CLSM, SEM, TEM)
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/9/116910721/published/soilclsm_3.png?1700064382)
"Seeing is believing." Microbial communities can be observed using a variety of microscopes, from confocal laser scanning microscope to electron microscopes.
Analytical chemistry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, isotopic analysis, Raman)
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/9/116910721/editor/lcms_5.png)
Microbial contribution to biogeochemical cycles on the Earth can be probed using analytic chemical techniques, from isotopic/radioactive analysis and AAS to GC/LC-MS/MS and to FTIR, Raman, XPS, STXM and nanoSIMS.
Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation
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Dynamics of many microbial activities can be depicted using mathematical models and numerical simulation, allowing more quantitative mechanistic understanding of coupled processes.