ABSTRACT
The versatility and diversity of the microbial world often lead to unique and valuable discoveries that expand our knowledge and yield advancements for humankind. Antibiotics, fermented foods, health and beauty aids, and other commonly utilized items in our everyday lives were discovered or produced based upon unusual physiological and phenotypical characteristics of microorganisms. In the past five decades the study of microbial extremophiles in geothermal sites with high temperatures and high acidity has advanced our understanding of spore-forming bacteria and led to the establishment of the new genera alicyclobacillus and sulfobacillus.
