Some fungi can produce proteins that freeze water, which may allow them to reach into the atmosphere and trigger rain. Now, scientists have discovered the secret to this process: a gene from ancient bacteria.
Researchers have long known that some bacteria have proteins in their cell membranes that allow them to freeze water at relatively high temperatures, about 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius) — a process known as ice nucleation. Certain species of fungi can do this as well, but much less was known about how it worked in that kingdom of life.
