Scientists discover bacteria that 'breathe' electricity instead of oxygen
PositiveScience

Scientists at Rice University have stumbled upon something straight out of sci-fi—bacteria that "breathe" electricity instead of oxygen. These tiny powerhouses survive by shuttling electrons to external surfaces using special molecules called naphthoquinones. The team confirmed this wild behavior through lab tests and computer models. If harnessed, these microbes could revolutionize clean energy and bioelectronics, turning waste or even pollution into usable electricity.
Editor’s Note: Imagine a future where sewage treatment plants generate electricity or where medical devices are powered by bacteria. This discovery isn’t just a quirky science fact—it’s a leap toward sustainable tech. While we’re years away from practical applications, the idea that nature’s tiniest organisms could help solve big energy problems is downright electrifying.
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