Two agar plates next to each other. One is empty while the other is growing multiple different cultured organisms, colored white, beige, and green.

Most Archaea and Bacteria Are Nameless. SeqCode Could Change That

The Scientist spoke with microbiologist William Whitman about a new system of nomenclature for prokaryotic organisms that can’t be cultured.

Most Archaea and Bacteria Are Nameless. SeqCode Could Change That

The Scientist spoke with microbiologist William Whitman about a new system of nomenclature for prokaryotic organisms that can’t be cultured.

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Gasteranthus extinctus, a plant with bright orange flowers and deep green leaves

Science Snapshot: Not “Extinctus” After All

Lisa Winter | Apr 19, 2022 | 1 min read

Assumed to have gone extinct more than 30 years ago, Gasteranthus extinctus has been rediscovered by scientists working in Ecuador.

A notecard with outdated names of prokaryotic phyla crossed out and replaced with the newer names.

Newly Renamed Prokaryote Phyla Cause Uproar

Dan Robitzski | Jan 4, 2022 | 10+ min read

The International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes recently pulled the rank of phylum into its code of official nomenclature. Experts say the move will help standardize science in the long run but potentially disrupt research now.

Black and white world map, with lines connecting red areas that indicate COVID-19 hotspots, along with overlaid drawings of SARS-CoV-2.

WHO Updates the Nomenclature of SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Lisa Winter | Jun 1, 2021 | 2 min read

Rather than being described by the location of where they emerged or an alphanumeric code, variants will be given a Greek letter.