Scientists Have Just Discovered a New Type of Electricity-Conducting Bacteria
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Summary
Scientists from Oregon State University have discovered a previously unknown species of electrically conducting bacteria in a brackish (mix of saltwater and freshwater) beach in the US state.
The bacteria, dubbed Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis, is a type of cable microbe – which typically form metre-long chains that conduct electricity.
Unlike other cable microbes, Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis has an outer sheath that protects the bacteria from its surroundings and enemies.
Its thick ridges contain fibres with a nickel-centred metal complex that transports electrons.
The team believes that the new bacteria could be used in bioelectronics and to clean up pollution.
The discovery was announced in academic journal mBio.
