As in "Iron Man": scientists have discovered new possibilities of bacteria
A group of American researchers discovered the amazing properties of bacteria. It is believed that they are able to recover contaminated soil and water. At the same time, creating a kind of costume around himself, like that of Iron Man.
The subject of research is the Geobacter bacteria, which are capable of creating special compounds - nanowires of microbes. These are the most elementary protein filaments that conduct electricity, among other things.
But what attracted scientists more is what happens to them during the collision with cobalt. This metal is quite valuable and, as a rule, is actively used in industry. For example, in the manufacture of batteries. But at the same time, cobalt is very toxic to both humans and animals.
As for the aforementioned bacteria, an interesting reaction occurred when interacting with this metal. Geobacter was able to block the ingress of cobalt compounds, creating something akin to a metal suit around itself.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that the studied bacterium will also be able to prevent pollution of water and soil with heavy metals. It is enough just to place it in a polluted environment.
Geobacter's new properties are planned to be used to create new biotechnologies for cleaning the environment.
The subject of research is the Geobacter bacteria, which are capable of creating special compounds - nanowires of microbes. These are the most elementary protein filaments that conduct electricity, among other things.
But what attracted scientists more is what happens to them during the collision with cobalt. This metal is quite valuable and, as a rule, is actively used in industry. For example, in the manufacture of batteries. But at the same time, cobalt is very toxic to both humans and animals.
As for the aforementioned bacteria, an interesting reaction occurred when interacting with this metal. Geobacter was able to block the ingress of cobalt compounds, creating something akin to a metal suit around itself.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that the studied bacterium will also be able to prevent pollution of water and soil with heavy metals. It is enough just to place it in a polluted environment.
Geobacter's new properties are planned to be used to create new biotechnologies for cleaning the environment.
