Shy Bacterium Lives in Hostile Environment

Researchers are studying an unusual bacterium to understand the possiblity of extraterrestrial life. Alien life forms might have something in common with the Desulforudis audaxviator, which lives nearly 2 miles underground in 140 degree Fahrenheit water in South Africa. Living without oxygen, sunlight, or organic materials, it gets its energy from radioactive uranium. It’s nuclear powered!

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Metal-Eating Bacteria Poops Gold

Researchers have been studying the fascinating bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans. The bacteria can eat toxic metallic compounds without being harmed. The only side-effect is that they poop tiny gold nuggets! Scientists can learn about the biogeochemical cycle of gold by identifying how C metallidurans converts toxic food to golden feces.

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