A microbe developed to clean up nuclear waste and patented
by a Michigan State University researcher has just been improved.
In earlier research, Gemma Reguera, MSU microbiologist,
identified that Geobacter bacteria’s tiny conductive hair-like appendages, or
pili, did the yeoman’s share of remediation. By increasing the strength of the
pili nanowires, she improved their ability to clean up uranium and other toxic
wastes.