Photoholes within cyanobacterial mats can account for the origin of anammox bacteria and ancient nitrogen loss

Key Points

• Evidence shows that photoholes within cyanobacterial mats are significant contributors to nitrogen loss.
• The analysis indicates that ancient microbial processes may have played a role in the evolution of anammox bacteria.
• This study employs observational analysis of photoholes to understand nitrogen dynamics in microbial ecosystems.
• Findings suggest that understanding these ancient processes could inform modern nitrogen cycle management.