Life at low temperatures

Bacterial life in cold habitats affects earth ecology with deep and often overseen implications for human beings. Here, we review the current knowledge on microbial diversity and ecology at low temperatures and highlight the fascinating research on manifold cold adaptation mechanisms including sensing and regulation; the conformation of ribosomes, enzymes, and membranes; the cold shock response; and the long-term acclimatization to cold conditions. Biotechnological applications and aspects relevant for food safety are also summarized.