China's next scientific milestone could hail from Tibetan animal poop

Chinese researchers have uncovered a vast array of previously unknown microbial species in the feces of native herbivores such as yaks, Tibetan sheep, and antelope on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This discovery, part of a five-year project under the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program, revealed that 88% of the microbes identified were new to science. Many of these microbes produce enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose, a key component in paper, cardboard, and textiles, potentially enabling faster and cleaner industrial processes. Additionally, these microbes may help identify biological pathways to reduce methane emissions from livestock, addressing environmental concerns. The genomic data collected offers promising avenues for biotechnology, including the development of new gene-editing tools, antimicrobial peptides, and stable, precise enzymes. Researchers plan to explore whether these novel enzymes can improve gene-editing platforms and screen for small-molecule drug candidates that could influence biological pathways for therapeutic use. The findings underscore the strategic importance of discovering and patenting such biological resources,