Articles tagged with "bacteria"
Bacteria in Norway's spruce tree needles found hiding gold: Study
A recent study has revealed that Norway spruce trees near gold deposits, such as those around the Kittilä gold mine in Northern Finland, contain microscopic gold nanoparticles within their needles. This gold accumulation is facilitated by symbiotic bacteria, known as endophytes, living inside the tree tissues. These microbes convert soluble gold absorbed from the soil into solid nanosized particles through a process called biomineralization, likely as a means to reduce the metal’s toxicity. DNA sequencing identified specific bacterial groups, including P3OB-42, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium, associated with gold-containing needles, suggesting these bacteria play a key role in transforming gold inside the trees. Although the gold nanoparticles are too small for commercial extraction, the discovery holds significant potential for environmentally friendly mineral exploration. By screening for microbial fingerprints in plants, geologists could more efficiently locate underground gold deposits without extensive drilling, reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the biomineralization process may extend to other minerals and plant species
materialsbiomineralizationgold-nanoparticlesbacteriaNorway-sprucemineral-explorationenvironmental-technologyScientists Have Just Discovered a New Type of Electricity-Conducting Bacteria
energyelectricitybacteriaconductivitybiological-wireCandidatus-Electrothrixenvironmental-science