Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have discovered two species of bacteria that feed on metal, manganese to be specific, by accident. For nearly a century, scientists have been predicting the existence of such microbes, but they have only been discovered now. If Marvel’s Magneto can manipulate metal …
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A Caltech researcher accidentally discovered a metal-eating bacterium after leaving a dirty glass in tap water. The bacteria seem to feed on manganese, creating oxidation and creating a bit of a mess. Scientists now believe the bacteria may be responsible for some well-known problems with water distribution systems in which …
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A Caltech researcher accidentally discovered a metal-eating bacterium after leaving a dirty glass in tap water. The bacteria seem to feed on manganese, creating oxidation and creating a bit of a mess. Scientists now believe the bacteria may be responsible for some well-known problems with water distribution systems in which …
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This bacterium is a true metalhead. Scientists have discovered a new type of bacteria that survives by gobbling up metal, according to a new study. Researchers have long believed that a metal-chewing bacteria existed, but couldn’t prove it until Jared Leadbetter, a Caltech microbiologist in Pasadena, launched an experiment. He …
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When microbiologist Jared Leadbeater returned to his office for the first time in months after a work trip, he found something strange. A cream-colored manganese carbonate compound (MnCO3), which coated the glassware he had left in his sink, had gone dark. Something had stolen some of his electrons. “I thought, …
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