Bacteria that consume methane — aptly called methanotrophs — have been considered as a theoretical method of slowing climate change. But this idea has been mired because scientists have had only a minimal understanding of how this process actually works.
Now a group of researchers out of Northwestern University says it’s discovered the key to better understanding how, exactly, methanotrophs process methane. Their research, which was published Friday in Science, could eventually harness this bacteria’s ability to turn methane into methanol, which could then be used for powering vehicles instead of oil.
