Mining has played a big role in a lot of the products we use, but there’s a problem in many places.
Old mines can lead to toxic metals in wastewater, which then ends up in streams and rivers – which we don’t want to end up in our water supply.
But there may be a solution: a bacterium that kind of “eats” waste metal.
Leptospirillum ferriphilum is its scientific name, and with help from Chilean biotechnologist Nadac Reales, they can dissolve old iron nails in just a few days; previously the process would take months.
The research is now looking at whether this process can work efficiently on a larger scale.
If so, it could help deal with metal that’s discarded or the metal dust that can accumulate on land or in water.
And the final product is a liquid that’s used to extract other metals like copper, in a way that could make the extraction process greener.
Now that we know what they can do to actual metal, I want to know if these bacteria respond to heavy metal music.
Maybe that’s just me?
Plus, as useful as this is, I’m not going to introduce metal-eating bacteria to any Autobots.
Taylor Swift fans are enjoying her newly-released and re-recorded version of her “Red” album, except for a few fans who bought the deluxe 4LP box set version.
These LPs play at 45 rpm rather than the more common 33 rpm, so some fans hear a very slowed down version of the record on their turntables.
Here’s one review: “the sound is really scary, it’s like a Taylor’s voice from beyond the grave… is this a disgusting joke about halloween?”
These Hungry Metal-Eating Bacteria Could Be the Solution to Mining Waste (Popular Mechanics)
“The pressing is bad and it sounds like a man”: Taylor Swift fans confused by LPs pressed at 45rpm (The Line of Best Fit)
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