Some types of fungi borrowed a gene from ancient bacteria that gave the ability to make ice and trigger rain. Some fungi can produce proteins that freeze water, which may allow them to reach into the atmosphere and trigger rain. Now, scientists have discovered the secret to this process: a gene from ancient bacteria. Read more […]
bacteria
The CRISPR War Raging Inside Bacteria
Rings of DNA inside bacteria use CRISPR process to attack each other. The CRISPR-Cas system is a highly accurate gene-editing tool that genetic engineers have adopted from bacteria. The engineers use it to create genetically modified organisms and even treat genetic disease. But humans are not the first to adapt this system for their own […]
Asteroid-Mining Bacteria Blast Off for Space Station
Test of mining prowess of microbes lifted off yesterday. The moons, planets and asteroids of our solar system are full of useful stuff: water to make hydrogen fuel, metals and minerals for construction, even rocks that can be broken down into soil-like material for farming and terraforming. “Virtually all the raw materials you need to […]