Ancient microbe 'could be used to improve water quality'

Scientists have devised a way in which a microbe, which is billions of years-old, could help to cleanse water of radioactive metals in the future.

Researchers at Ohio State University have used a powerful microscope to identify that the shewanella oneidensis microbe can thrive under volatile conditions by breathing in metals - something which could prevent them from filtering into rivers and lakes.

Brothers Brian and Steven Lower, who are behind the research, told the Columbus Dispatch that "you and I would die in that environment, but this organism can live. We have a thing or two to learn from these creatures".

The discoveries made by the brothers could lead to further breakthroughs concerning water quality and preventing radioactive metals from contaminating waterways and surrounding eco systems, the news provider informs.

In related news, the methods used by Health Canada to inspect establishments' public water quality are not up to scratch and need to be more consistent in the future, according to federal commissioner Scott Vaughan.