Bacteria Turn Toxic Uranium Into Stable Compound | Science News

Scientists have uncovered a wild new trick: certain bacteria, when fed glycerol, can lock toxic uranium into an ultra-stable compound inside their cell walls—turning a dangerous environmental hazard into something inert. Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf found this happening in real-world mine water, where uranium often spreads unchecked. The resulting compound, FeU(V)O4, resists breakdown even with oxygen exposure, hinting at a powerful natural cleanup method. This discovery could revolutionize how we tackle uranium contamination, turning tiny microbes into environmental heroes. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6b206c9ca2109eec