Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria which they are hoping will help ethanol production. The bacteria has been found in Yellowstone National Park in it’s thermal pools. The bacteria thrive in hot water, with optimal temperatures being around 120-150 degrees.

The new bacteria is unusual because it photosynthesizes ie it produces energy from sunlight – in the past century, only three other photosynthesizing species of bacteria have been found. This particular type of bacteria is likely to obtain carbon from the waste of other bacteria (rather than from the atmosphere) and this may help other forms of bacteria grow more quickly and this may aid in the production of ethanol.

Popularity: 14% [?]