Bacteria packed into tiny capillaries are helping detect the greenhouse gas
methane. Previously, ecologists monitoring methane production from organic decay
in wetlands had to rely on time-consuming techniques like gas chromatography.
The novel device, developed by a team at the University of Aarhus in Denmark,
contains bacteria that consume methane, converting it into water and carbon
dioxide—compounds that can easily be measured by miniature electrodes.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
News
Life
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
News
Humans
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
Features
91É«ÇéƬ
Your menstrual cycle may affect how well vaccines work
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
3
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
4
Remote-controlled cockroach swarm can now breathe underwater
5
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
6
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
7
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
8
The race to understand how and when Thwaites glacier will collapse
9
Europe’s heatwave is the hottest and most humid ever
10
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
