Microbes can damage but also help restore artifacts

• The fungal species Cadophora, which is causing soft rot in and outside historically important buildings at Antarctic sites, is distinct from microorganisms that typically damage wooden buildings in temperate and tropical zones. • Microorganisms living along and also below the surfaces of Mayan stone artifacts may threaten archaeological sites throughout the Yucatan region of Mexico. • Bacteria that can remove sulphate crusts or form layers of calcite to consolidate mineral surfaces could prove helpful to conservators who are working to restore damaged building stones.