Miniscule single cells of bacteria are the masters of our world. They play many different roles in life on earth, with one of the most surprising being that some of them can actually purify precious metals.
An international team of researchers have discovered that a particular species of bacteria, Cupriavidus metallidurans, can actually ingest toxic metallic compounds and still thrive. What’s more is that the bacteria can actually produce tiny gold nuggets as a side-effect.
Gold moves through a process that’s called the biogeochemical cycle, just as many other earth elements do. This process sees elements being dissolved, shifted around and eventually re-concentrated in the Earth’s sediment.
Seeing as microbes are involved at every step of this process, scientists have long wondered how the microbes don’t get poisoned by the highly toxic compounds formed by gold ions in the soil.
Cupriavidus metallidurans, which is a rod-shaped bacteria species, was first found to excrete gold nuggets back in 2009 when scientists discovered that it’s capable of ingesting toxic gold compounds and converting them into the element’s metallic form without endangering or harming itself.
After many years of investigation, scientists now know how the bacteria are capable of this amazing feat. It thrives in soils containing both hydrogen and a range of toxic heavy metals, meaning that it has little to no competition from other organisms that would easily be poisoned in such an environment.
This means that any organism choosing to live in such an environment has to have a way of protecting itself from all of the toxicity surrounding it. It turns out that this particular bacterium has an ingenious protective mechanism that involves both gold and copper.
Compounds containing both of these elements can easily be ingested by the bacteria, and copper ions and gold complexes get transported deep inside. Then, the bacteria use enzymes to shift offending metals out of their cells, allowing them to dispose of them unimpeded. Not only does this process allow the bacteria to shed all of the unwanted copper – It also results in tiny gold nugget nanoparticles on its surface.
The new research that has resulted in these findings builds on previous research conducted by the same team is a fascinating insight into the weird talents of this particular bacteria, which could potentially be put to good use.
The significance of the findings is that scientists are now a huge step closer to unlocking the biogeochemical cycle of gold. Understanding this process could lead to gold refining from ores that only contain very small amounts of the precious metal, which is something that’s extremely tricky to do at present.
Ancient People Knew About Astronomy Some 40,000 Years Ago!
A pair of British researchers recently decided to turn their attention to ancient art. What they found was remarkable - 40,000-year-old astronomical knowledge!
3 Robots that Are Already Scary Advanced...
You'll be amazed to see how human (or animal)-like these robots are. They are all by Boston Dynamics, a robotics company at the forefront of its sector.
2017 Has Been a Fantastic Year For New Breakthroughs...
Scientists have managed some incredible breakthroughs this year. Discover the 14 most significant ones made around the world this year.
Age-Related Cognitive Decline Might Be a Reversible Thing!
Age-related cognitive decline is something we've all come to accept, but a new study has shown that the process might just be reversible. Read on for more.
Can Probiotics Improve Mental Health? Research Says YES
Studies repeatedly show that probiotics can be a potentially effective treatment for several mental health issues. This is what is currently known on the topic.
What Did the Earliest Photographs Look Like?
Nowadays everyone has a camera, but take your mind back the time when photography was just a fantasy and imagine the thrill of seeing the first photos!
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
Can One Photo Really Tell How Good Your Eyesight Is?
Scientists say that this single photograph can tell you whether you have good vision or not. Who can you see in the image?
This Incredible Documentary Takes You Into the Human Body
A beautiful and graphically advanced animation sheds light on the mysteries of the human body.
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
Sleep Inventions: 16 Gadgets to Help You Doze Off
If you frequently struggle with sleep, then trying these amazing new sleep innovations could help change your life.
Travel From the Sun to Pluto With Our Interactive Guide!
The solar system is a fascinating place, and we wanted to bring you an interactive journey that you can use to travel through it. Enjoy the journey!
The BIGGEST Indoor Ocean in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Did you know that the US Navy has a football field-sized indoor ocean that can create any wave?
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
6 Shocking Truths About Coffee You Never Knew
Have you been believing these common coffee myths too?
Let's Talk About Size, From Big to Huge.
an incredible discovery that leads us to a better and better understanding of these objects' true size.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
Revealed! This Is How Far We Have Sent Crafts into Space!
Ever wondered just how far humans have sent spacecrafts into space? If the answer is yes, then this video is just what you've been looking for.
8 Inventions of 2023 That Will Change The Way We Live
This year was a prominent one for ground-breaking innovations that will change the way we live.
19 Things to AVOID to Make Your Phone Live Longer
19 common mistakes we all make, that make our phones age quicker.
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
Here Are the 16 Oldest Household Objects in the World
If you think ancient life is remote, these pre-historic household items will make you think again. Just look at how old they are!
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
How Your Eye Came to Be the Color It Is...
Why do we have different-colored eyes, and what does it mean?
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
24 Confusing Optical Illusions Explained - Fascinating!
How do our eyes fool the brain? Let's find out as a neuroscientist explains the truth behind the most confusing optical illusions.
When Under a Microscope, Even Ordinary Things Seem Alien
Have you ever given any thought to what every day things look like under a microscope? Some of these images are truly beautiful - see for yourself in the images below.
TRIVIA: 25 Shocking Differences Between the Sexes
Did you know that there are some vast differences between the sexes? These 25 scientific facts will probably come as a big surprise to you, they did to me.
Are There Universal Expressions of Emotion? Find Out Here!
Do facial expressions look the same and communicate the same meaning wherever you are in the world? Find out here!
Is There Any Way To Destroy or Deflect Asteroids?
Watch an interview with Cathy Plesko, a leading scientist working on preparing for the dangers of an asteroid attack
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
7 Little-Known Body Parts We Never Knew About
Here's a look at some of the weird and little-known body parts that you didn’t know you had.
Incredible Science Breakthroughs That Made News in 2022
Let’s check out some of the most interesting scientific discoveries of 2022.
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
The Oldest Medicines That Have Stood the Test of Time
Learn about some fascinating old medicine and general healing practices that have survived for thousands of years.
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
The Psychology Behind Why Some People Are Habitually Late
Now we finally know why some people are habitually late.
WHY is Sugar So Devilishy Addictive?
There seems to be a fascinating scientific explanation for why our will power is weak when it comes to sugar!
I Never Knew These Stunning Facts About Our Universe
If you thought you understood the universe, you'll be completely floored by this insane facts.
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
Check Out This Radio-Controlled Lego-Powered Submarine
This is the height of creativity! Check out this insanely cool Lego submarine. It actually works!
What’s it Like Using a 115-Inch TV?!
This colossal 115-Inch TV will transform your viewing experience forever.