Detection of bacteria that can regulate climate

A new study shows that a species of bacteria living in the ocean may be the key to regulating the Earth's climate.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oregon State University (USA) have discovered Pelagibacterales that can produce large amounts of dimethyl sulfide - a gas with a positive effect on with the environment.

In every spoonful of seawater, up to half a million bacteria are found.(Source: IN).

In a press release, Dr. Jonathan Todd of UEA University, said the ocean bacteria is one of the richest organisms on Earth - half a million bacteria are found in every teaspoon. sea ​​water.

He added: "We studied the molecular level of this bacterium to accurately detect how it produces a dimethyl sulfide gas , which is capable of stimulating cloud formation ."

According to the team, dimethyl sulfide gas has created tiny particles in the clouds to prevent and reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches down to the surface of the ocean, thereby limiting seawater warming. .

Meanwhile, according to Emily Fowler, a researcher from UEA, the interesting thing is that Pelagibacterales created dimethyl sulfide through an enzyme - a method that has never been known to science before."And we have found this enzyme to be present in countless marine species , " she said.

The research results will be published in the American Journal of Natural Microbiology.