"Deep Earth Bacteria Converts Carbon Dioxide to Crystals"

Researchers have discovered bacteria living 1,250 meters underground in South Dakota's Black Hills that can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into solid mineral crystals under extreme conditions. These extremophilic bacteria, including a Bacillus species, could potentially be used to capture greenhouse gases in depleted fossil fuel reserves. Lab experiments showed that the bacteria can produce calcite crystals from CO2 at 500 times greater pressure than at sea level and 80°C within 10 days. This discovery offers a promising avenue for carbon capture technology, although it should not replace the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel consumption.