This book covers the wider aspects of the microbiology of hot desert soil ecosystems, compiling disparate information from a range of relevant desert soil microbial fields. The reader learns about microbial ecology of the more dominant and possibly most important desert habitats, detailing the phylogenetic and functional diversity of these different habitats as well as their potential role in desert ecosystem ecology. Particular attention is also given to microbial stress adaptation in hot desert soils. Furthermore, it is the first volume in this particular field to cover modern metagenomics technologies that can be applied to studies of all aspects of desert microbial communities. Additionally, the book explores viruses and viral communities, which are among the least studied (and little understood) components of desert soil microbial communities. Particular attention is also given to the roles of desert microbial communities in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Through this book the reader discovers how desert microbiology has been at the forefront of Astrobiology and how it may be used conceptually in future terraforming strategies. Desert ecosystems are increasingly coming into focus given the impacts of climate change and desertification trends, making this volume particularly timely. Each of the chapters is authored by leading international researchers and is a must-read for microbial ecologists.

Acidophiles are microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments, and these microorganisms can be found in a wide range of habitats, including acid mine drainage, volcanic hot springs, and acidic soils. Despite the extreme conditions they live in, acidophiles have adapted unique biochemical pathways and mechanisms to survive and thrive in such harsh environments. This Research Topic aims to bring together recent advances in the field of acidophile microbiology, from fundamental research on microbial diversity, physiology, and ecology in extreme environments to biotechnological applications, including bioleaching and bioremediation.

Scientific research on cold-adapted microorganisms (specifically polar microbes) is of great interest, since Arctic and Antarctic regions harbor diverse and active populations of microorganisms. However, these microorganisms are subject to impacts of environmental perturbations. For example, climate change will modulate the distribution and activity of many cyanobacteria and algal species in polar environments that contribute significantly to global carbon fixation and oxygen production. Moreover, many microorganisms that have remained frozen for thousands of years can revive their metabolic activity and re-join the modern microbial community. For survival in freezing environments, polar microorganisms have established specific regulatory mechanisms which are now being challenged by new, rapidly changing environmental conditions. Remarkable progress has been made to uncover microbial adaptation to anthropogenic activities such as high irradiance, nutritional deprivation, UV-B radiation, heat, cold, desiccation, and heavy metals. Studies have enabled a basic understanding of gene regulatory pathways for morphological, physiological, metabolic, and genetic adaptations to various environmental stresses. To further elucidate physiological adaptation mechanisms and molecular diversity in polar regions, this Research Topic is focused on microbes in polar regions, looking at their biodiversity, ecological adaptations, the impact of climate change on their lifestyles, and biotechnological application of microbes for a sustainable future.

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