Cable Bacteria Are Living Batteries

9 months ago

Cable bacteria were discovered in a Danish lake in 2012, forming long chains that function like living batteries.
These microbes separate redox reactions across thousands of cells, allowing electron transfer from sulfide in deep mud to oxygen at the water's surface.
Cable bacteria challenge the traditional view that cells only use local chemistry for energy, demonstrating long-distance electron transport.
The discovery was accidental, originating from unexpected hydrogen sulfide disappearance in sediment experiments.
Cable bacteria have ridges made of proteins that act as wires, enabling electron conduction over distances up to 7 centimeters.
Practical applications include reducing methane emissions in rice paddies by up to 93%, with ongoing field trials in California.
Challenges remain in cultivating cable bacteria in pure cultures or genetically engineering them due to their slow growth and thick membranes.
Despite advances, cable bacteria continue to puzzle scientists, defying easy explanation.

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