Exciting discoveries are unfolding in the world of science! Researchers are optimistic that a remarkable aquatic single-celled organism, affectionately called “Chonkus,” could become a valuable partner in our mission to reduce carbon emissions.

This vibrant cyanobacterium, which thrives by consuming light and carbon dioxide through its unique compartments, was first discovered by the talented microbiologist Braden Tierney during an underwater exploration near the stunning coast of Sicily. During their journey, Tierney and his dedicated team collected seawater samples from the intriguing mouths of volcanic vents and collaborated with the scientific nonprofit Align to Innovate to unveil the wonders of this deep-sea gem.

The enthusiasm in the scientific community is palpable. “There’s more and more excitement about isolating new organisms,” Tierney shared with Grist, highlighting the thrill of uncovering new biological possibilities.

As they delved deeper into their research, Chonkus quickly distinguished itself from other algae-like entities. Co-researcher Max Schubert noted the unique characteristics of this organism: “When you grow a culture of bacteria, it looks like broth and the bacteria are very dilute in the culture. But we found that Chonkus would settle into this stuff that is much more dense, like a green peanut butter,” emphasizing how this unique texture enhances its efficiency.

With Tierney and Schubert continuing their exploration of Chonkus and its potential role in carbon capture systems, they are excited by the prospect of the vast microbial world that remains largely unstudied. “There’s no question we’ll keep finding really, really interesting biology in these vents,” said Tierney. “They don’t represent the true arsenal of microbes that we could potentially work with to achieve humanity’s goals.”

This journey into the depths of the ocean not only reveals the potential of Chonkus but also inspires hope for innovative solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing challenges. As we continue to explore and learn, the promise of a cleaner, healthier future is bright!