A new discovery in Oregon has brought scientists closer to harnessing the power of electricity from bacteria. Researchers have identified a remarkable cable bacteria, Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, which can conduct electricity like a wire. This breakthrough could lead to new bioelectric applications in medicine, industry, and environmental remediation.
The unique rod-shaped cells of this bacteria create filaments that can stretch up to several centimeters in length. Its high conductivity is likely due to optimized metabolic processes in its environment. The discovery was made on the central Oregon coast and named after the Yaqo’n people whose ancestral lands it was found in.
This new species could provide insights into how these bacteria evolved and functioned in different environments. It has distinctive structural features, including pronounced surface ridges that house highly conductive fibers made of unique nickel-based molecules. This makes it a promising candidate for various fields, including medicine, industry, and environmental monitoring.
One of the most exciting capabilities of Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis is its use in pollutant remediation. The bacteria can transfer electrons to clean up pollutants, making it a potential tool for removing harmful substances from sediments. Its design could also inspire new bioelectronics. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize environmental efforts by providing an affordable and efficient solution for cleaning up polluted soil.
The study’s findings demonstrate the importance of continued research into the biological world, which still holds many secrets about electricity and its applications.
Source: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/scientists-discovered-remarkable-lifeform-conducts-130000430.html