Revolutionary Bacteria: Nature’s Electric Wiring & Eco-Friendly Pollution Fighters

In a remarkable discovery, researchers found a new species of bacteria in an Oregon mud flat that resembles electric wiring. This “cable” bacteria holds the potential to be a game-changer in bioelectronics.

Named Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, this unique organism has nickel in its structure and forms long bacterial strands connected by a protective membrane. This allows it to transfer electrons efficiently, a feat unusual for bacteria.

The discovery was made by Cheng Li, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University, and Clare Reimers, a retired professor from the OSU College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. They identified the bacteria in sediment samples from Yaquina Bay, which is also reflected in the name, honoring the Native Americans who have lived in the area for generations.

The bacteria’s ability to conduct electricity is not just fascinating; it is an adaptation that helps optimize its metabolic processes in the rich sediment of estuaries. This new species offers a blend of traits from other known cable bacteria, hinting at its evolutionary journey.

Li describes Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis as a “bridge” in the evolutionary tree of cable bacteria. “It stands out in terms of its metabolic potential,” he notes. Its distinct structural features include the largest surface ridges among cable bacteria, housing nickel-based fibers that contribute to its conductivity.

Interestingly, while nickel is a heavy metal often deemed toxic for humans, in this bacteria, it serves a crucial role. The unique fibers enable the bacteria to transport electrons long distances, linking electron acceptors like oxygen with donors such as sulfide deeper in the sediment.

This process isn’t just an interesting quirk; it could have practical applications. “These bacteria can help clean up pollutants from sediments,” Li explains. “Their design could even inspire advancements in bioelectronics.”

According to a recent study, the environment of the cable bacteria can vary widely, surviving in both freshwater and saltwater settings. This adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse climatic conditions and adds to the potential for future research.

Reflecting on past insights, similar discoveries have paved the way for innovations in environmental science and technology. For instance, the use of microorganisms in bioremediation has gained traction over the years, underscoring the practical benefits of such tiny beings living in our ecosystems.

As researchers delve deeper into the world of microbes, discoveries like Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis illustrate the unexpected wonders hiding in plain sight. The intricate links between biology and technology continue to unveil possibilities we are just beginning to explore.

For more detailed insights into this fascinating research, visit the comprehensive study published in the [Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal](https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.02502-24).

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Science,Biology,Animals,Oregon,Electricity,Discovery