King Frederik names new bacterium

King Frederik of Denmark has named a new bacterium.

King Frederik visited the research project Microflora Danica at Aalborg University, which is trying to understand how microorganisms in the soil will influence climate, nature and food in the future.

Upon arrival at the university, the King was received by Aalborg University’s rector, Per Michael Johansen. King Frederik was able to examine the microorganism under a microscope. The researchers have discovered a new, rare bacterium that is representative of a large new branch in the “tree of life.” This so-called “tree of life” allows scientists to understand why, how, and when the world’s millions of species arose. A new find in this tree of life is extremely rare, and therefore, the bacterium is usually named after a famous person.

King Frederik revealed that the new bacterium will be named Margrethea Danica after his mother, Queen Margrethe II.

Three other new bacteria were named Ingrid’s Garden (Graastenia ingridihorti), Hunting (Gribskovia venatica) and Multidomus (Querciregia multidomus).