A newly discovered species of bacteria that conducts electricity like a living wire is shaking up the scientific world. Named Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis, the organism was found in Oregon’s Yaquina Bay mudflats and described in a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. With unique structural and metabolic traits, this microbe may one day be used to clean up pollution or inspire the next generation of bioelectronics.
A Bridge Between Species with Electrifying Genetics
Researchers from Oregon State University, the University of Antwerp, and several European institutions uncovered the bacterium’s evolutionary position as an unusual hybrid.
“This new species seems to be a bridge, an early branch within the Ca. Electrothrix clade, which suggests it could provide new insights into how these bacteria evolved and how they might function in different environments,” said Cheng Li, the lead researcher.
It displays a genomic mix of traits seen in both the Ca. Electrothrix and Ca. Electronema genera, making it a key subject for scientists studying the evolution and ecological roles of cable bacteria.
Structural Traits that Defy Expectations
Unlike its microbial cousins, Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis features pronounced surface ridges, up to three times wider than those of other cable bacteria. These ridges house highly conductive fibers made from rare nickel-based proteins, a previously unseen biological structure.
“It stands out from all other described cable bacteria species in terms of its metabolic potential, and it has distinctive structural features, including pronounced surface ridges, up to three times wider than those seen in other species, that house highly conductive fibers made of unique, nickel-based molecules,” Li noted.
The bacterium’s ability to transport electrons over long distances gives it an edge in the complex chemistry of marine sediments. These traits allow it to connect sulfide-rich layers deep in the mud with oxygen or nitrate at the surface, completing critical redox reactions.
A Potential Powerhouse for Environmental and Technological Solutions
Beyond its biological novelty, Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis may become an unexpected ally in battling pollution and designing cutting-edge technology.
“These bacteria can transfer electrons to clean up pollutants, so they could be used to remove harmful substances from sediments,” said Li. “Also, their design of a highly conductive nickel protein can possibly inspire new bioelectronics.”
Cable bacteria already inhabit diverse environments across both freshwater and saltwater systems. This discovery adds to a growing body of evidence that such microbes could be harnessed to solve real-world problems in energy, medicine, and environmental protection.
