Scientists discover bacteria that eat metal

30 Jul 2020

Scientists discover bacteria that eat metal

Scientists discover bacteria that eat metalFor more than a hundred years, scientists have believed that bacteria that eats metal exists. However, they could not prove it.

Recently, microbiologists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), US, accidentally discovered the bacteria. A microbiologist is a scientist who studies microscopic life forms and processes.

They discovered it while conducting unrelated experiments on a chalk-like type of manganese. This is a commonly found chemical element. One of the scientists, Dr. Jared Leadbetter, left a glass jar covered with the manganese to soak in tap water in his office. After that, for months, he did not go to his office.

Recently, when he returned, the jar had a dark substance called manganese oxide. This is a product that forms when manganese loses electrons and undergoes a reaction called oxidation.

Dr. Jared and his colleagues wanted to know how it happened. After a few experiments, they discovered that it was due to previously-unknown bacteria.

The bacteria likely came from the tap water which comes from groundwater.

These are the first bacteria to use manganese as an energy source. It also shows that the new bacteria can use manganese for a process called chemosynthesis. This converts carbon dioxide into biomass (organic matter used as a fuel).

Scientists believe the findings will help them better understand groundwater and water systems which can become filled with manganese oxides.

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For more than a hundred years, scientists have believed that bacteria that eats metal exists. However, they could not prove it. Recently, microbiologists from the […]

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Comments: 2

Sanaa says:

30 July 2020 at 7:30 pm

This is an interesting and fascinating news.
This bacteria might even help us to get rid of COVID19. (Fingers crossed)

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- curioustimes says:
  
  30 July 2020 at 7:35 pm
  
  Dear Sanaa
  
  We are glad that you liked the bacteria news.
  
  We are not sure if getting rid of COVID-19 is possible through bacteria. But many scientists are working on bringing treatment and/ or vaccine for COviD-19.
  So yes, keeping our fingers crossed too.
  
  Stay Curious!
  
  Log in to Reply

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