How bacteria can help solve humanity's problems

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The microorganisms that live on our bodies, in our homes and in the land can become a source of new technologies and medicines.

We are used to fighting bacteria. If we are told that microbes have gotten in our house or in the sink, we will immediately begin to look for a remedy that will destroy them, destroy them, render them harmless. We want to get rid of almost all microorganisms on Earth. But in this endeavor, we ignore an excellent source of new technologies that could save us.

More than 100,000 microorganisms live in our homes. These are 100,000 potential sources of solutions to our problems. These creatures are microscopic alchemists, capable of transforming the environment with the help of chemicals. This means they can live anywhere on the planet and feed on any material - from plastic to toxic waste. They can turn inedible into edible, make alcohol from sugar, produce oil, electricity, and even gold.

Bacteria can be used to make beer, antibiotics, and a cure for PTSD

Let's take ordinary wasps as an example. Anne Madden, along with other researchers, discovered a new type of microorganism inside the wasp with a rare ability - to produce beer. Only a few bacteria on the planet can do this. All commercially produced beer is made using one of three types of microorganisms. The new look, discovered by Madden, gives the beer a honey flavor that is different from everything else. What we once considered only a pest insect has now become the source of a delicious new beer.

Another example is antibiotics. For the past 60 years, most antibiotics on the market have been made from bacteria found in soil. It is the soil bacteria that seem like dirt to us that save our lives.

Or take at least microorganisms from river mud. It would seem, what could be interesting in them? However, researchers have found that in mice, they fight PTSD. It turns out that ordinary mud can be a source of hope.

And these are just three examples of the benefits of microorganisms. Imagine how the other 100,000 bacteria living in our homes can change our lives. Perhaps in the future, thanks to them, we will become smarter and live longer.