In the intestine were identified unique bacteria that can produce electricity. Most interesting is that these unexpected properties have been discovered by two groups of scientists not to cooperate among themselves.
The studies were conducted on the basis of the University of Lund in Sweden and University of California at Berkeley. Enterococcus fecal bacteria live in the intestine and is the gram-positive bacterium that exists in the microflora of the digestive tract of many animals and people. It contributes to the development of meningitis and other serious infectious diseases. Enterococcus fecal can cause the inflammation of the pelvic organs and urinary tract.
In the recent scientific studies by different teams of scientists had determined that she has a special ability to electrochemistry. Scientists during the scientific work established, as it happens. Enterococcus fecal by transferring electrons outside the cell capable of producing electricity. Thus, intestinal bacteria can transfer electrons into the external environment.
In the study, intestinal cells were placed on the electrode, with the result that they began to transfer electrons, using as a mediator molecule of quinone. Research staff from the University at Berkeley identified some of the bacteria in the microflora of the gut, but to reproduce the electricity could only one. Professor Dan Portnoy, who participated in the second study, explained, earlier researchers did not notice this ability of the fecal enterococci. The findings will help scientists understand how these bacteria affect the body when there is inflammation or supported a healthy condition. Also discovered a property of the intestinal bacteria will help to develop new antibiotics that will fight off infections in the intestines, and contribute to the development of new methods for the treatment of cancer of the colon.