Science
Scientists have discovered a bacterium that can withstand severe toxicity and produce 24-carat gold.
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan in the United States, led by Kazem Kashefi and Adam Brown, have discovered that the bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans can turn a toxic liquid substance gold chloride, found in nature, into pure gold.
The bacterium is incredibly resistant to this toxic element, and is 25 times stronger than previously thought.
Scientists have created a compact factory where precious metals are obtained using a portable laboratory, a glass bioreactor and bacteria.
Brown and Kashefi fed the bacteria large amounts of gold chloride, and received gold nuggets a week later. Perhaps the same process takes place in nature.
“We are engaged in microbial alchemy, turning something that is not very valuable into a solid, valuable metal,” the scientists explained.
Unfortunately, the experiment cannot be performed on a larger scale, as it is unprofitable. Researchers believe their work should be used to raise questions about greed, the economy and the environment.