Ralstonia metallidurans (CH34) are bacteria that can live and grow in highly metallic solutions (toxic to most microorganisms). These bacteria play a key role in the formation of gold nuggets directly from an aqueous solution. Currently, methods are being developed to extract gold from mine water due to the ability of the bacteria. 1)
Ideonella sakaiensis was discovered by researchers at the Kyoto University of Technology during a systematic study of organisms capable of metabolizing PET, which is usually not broken down by microorganisms, leading to accumulation in the environment as waste due to its large production. This has led to attempts to find organisms that can be used to break down this type of plastic. 2)
Cyanobacteria are a group of self-living organisms, formerly considered plants and nowadays considered to be bacteria. They can be found in almost every environment on Earth and are resistant to prolonged drought, high temperatures, and even high salinity or acidity of the substrate they are found in. During so-called blooms, some strains of cyanobacteria secrete poisonous substances. 3)
Shigella is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that causes dysentery. The only reservoirs of the bacteria are humans and monkeys. The bacteria were first isolated and described in 1897 by the Japanese microbiologist Kiyoshi Shiga. 4)
Purnululu Park in Australia is known for its karst formations formed by the weathering of sandstone. The individual mountains with beehive-shaped domes are up to 820 feet high. The orange layer corresponds to iron oxides, while the black color is caused by the fossils of cyanobacteria (bacteria) belonging to at least five different species. Cyanobacteria fossils in the form of layers in the Bungle Bungle mountains are evidence of one of the earliest colonization of arid areas by organisms. 5)
The place on the human body where we can find the greatest number of bacteria is the belly button. There are ideal conditions for their development - moisture and warmth. 6)
Using hand dryers in public restrooms increases the number of bacteria on our hands. 7)
We have no way to study all the species of bacteria living on earth because the number is too large. 8)
The amount of bacteria in the human body is enormous. They outnumber our own cells and weigh almost as much as our brains. 9)
Species of bacteria vary in their lifespan. Some live a few weeks, while others can live up to 4 years. 10)
There are 3200 bacteria on human hands. When we shake hands to greet each other, we exchange them with other people. 11)
The cutting board found in our kitchen has more bacteria on it than the toilet seat. 12)
The microbiome is like a fingerprint. Although we all have a similar set of genes derived from bacteria that enable us to function in the natural world, no two people in the world have the same microbial makeup. 13)
There are over 4 pounds of bacteria in our gut. By coming into contact with them, the body learns acquired immunity because the gut is where 80% of the immune system cells (GALT) are located. 14)
Even probiotic bacteria that end up not where they are supposed to be can become the root of a serious illness, such as sepsis or peritonitis. 15)
The baby's contact with the umbilical cord and placenta after birth supports proper colonization of the baby's digestive system. 16)
The abundance and diversity of certain species of bacteria living in a child's digestive tract can affect his or her temperament. 17)