In one of the most ambitious and inspiring scientific collaborations ever attempted, a dedicated team of researchers and students is uncovering the extraordinary hidden world beneath our feet. The BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars (BioDIGS) consortium brings together approximately 150 passionate scientists from more than 40 locations across the United States, embarking on an exciting journey to map America's soil microbiome.

The achievements so far are already remarkable. This enthusiastic team has discovered over 1,000 previously unknown strains of bacteria and microbes that science has never encountered before, and they're just getting started. According to leading genomics expert Michael Schatz from Johns Hopkins University, who has helped map the human genome, this collaborative approach is opening doors that would have been impossible for individual researchers to unlock alone.

"The soil is the most biologically active environment on Earth," Schatz explains with evident excitement. What makes this project particularly special is how it's bringing together scientists and students from diverse institutions, creating a powerful network of discovery that spans the entire country.

Soil holds extraordinary secrets. It's home to more than half of all species on our planet, including countless bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. Many of these tiny creatures play vital roles in supporting human, animal, and plant life, yet an estimated 99 percent of soil microorganisms have remained unstudied until now. This project is illuminating what scientists call microbial "dark matter," bringing light to these invisible helpers that sustain life on Earth.

The research teams are exploring soil from fascinating locations across America. Around Baltimore, enthusiastic collectors gather samples from playgrounds, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful wooded streams. In Atlanta, Spelman University researchers are investigating unique environments, while others examine everything from family farms and neighborhood lawns to pristine forests and public parks.

What makes this project truly heartwarming is its impact on students and education. Emily Biggane, who leads the collection effort at United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota, celebrates how BioDIGS has "expanded the reach of science." Her students, who have a deep cultural connection to the land, found the experience transformative. "Students learned about the microscopic living things that call the soil home and it's been a holistic experience to better understand the soil that supports us," Biggane shares.

More than 100 student researchers have already contributed to this groundbreaking work, and organizers are thrilled to welcome many more as the project grows. These young scientists aren't just observing; they're actively collecting samples, building reference genomes, identifying genes, and making real discoveries. "Students can be very sophisticated data scientists," Schatz notes proudly.

The project leverages cutting-edge DNA analysis technology, including the same sophisticated long-read sequencing used to unlock the final mysteries of the human genome. This technological advancement makes it possible to study soil microbes in ways previous generations of scientists could only dream about.

As this inspiring collaboration continues, it promises not only to reveal nature's hidden biodiversity but also to nurture a new generation of scientists who will carry this important work forward, ensuring a brighter future for scientific discovery and environmental understanding.