"Exploring Nitrogen Fixation Dynamics Amidst Shrinking Arctic Sea Ice"

Research on nitrogen fixation amid shrinking sea ice reveals crucial interactions between bacteria and algae in the Arctic Ocean, impacting marine life and nutrient cycling.

• Successful amplification of nifH genes indicated active nitrogen fixation at Stations 18, 50, and 36, highlighting the role of bacteria in nutrient cycling in the Arctic.
• At Station 18, located in the multiyear ice-covered region of the Arctic Ocean, the nitrogen fixation was primarily contributed by Betaproteobacterial ASVs of the order Rhodocyclales.
• The study found that sea ice impacts the expression of nifH genes associated with nitrogen fixation, which is vital for maintaining marine life in changing ocean conditions.