https://phys.org/news/2018-06-metagenomics-thousands-marine-microorganisms.html

Today, she collaborates with John Heidelberg, associate professor of biological sciences and environmental studies at USC Dornsife, and postdoctoral scholar Ben Tully to grow organisms that have never been found in nature—organisms that have been discovered through metagenomics.

Using a technique that directly samples microbial DNA from ocean waters, the scientists are reconstructing genomic sequences of environmental bacteria. These recomposed genomes allow them to ask questions about what microorganisms are doing in the ocean and the critical role they play in maintaining healthy biochemical cycles in marine ecosystems.