How Geobacter Microbes Produce Electricity | Electric Microbes

Trailblazing microbiologist Gemma Reguera introduces us to her favorite microbe, the electricity-producing Geobacter, and describes how her research opened the door to a new field of study: Electromicrobiology.
For Educators: Access free teaching resources at sciencecommuni...
~ About the Film: Electric Microbes ~
Trailblazing #microbiologist Gemma Reguera introduces us to her favorite #microbe, the electricity-producing #Geobacter. This unassuming single-celled organism possesses a remarkable ability to generate #electricity through a unique form of #respiration. Not the breathing kind of respiration; this is a specific chemical process, one which involves the capture of energy from molecules through the transfer of electrons.
The way it works is that Geobacter “oxidize” or remove electrons from molecules like acetate. These electrons travel down little hairs on the Geobacter’s underside called #nanowires. As these nanowires make contact with minerals in their external environment, the electrons are transferred to these minerals, causing their “reduction.” This reduction leads to the breakdown of the minerals in the surrounding environment. In this way, Geobacter plays a pivotal role in the intricate web of #nutrientcycling, influencing the fabric of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Gemma's groundbreaking research has opened the doors to a new frontier in scientific exploration: #Electromicrobiology, a novel scientific research field that focuses on studying microorganisms that are capable of extracellular #electrontransfer. Her passion for electric microbes really comes through in this film. Plus, the paper puppets of Geobacter are really fun to watch!
#microbes #microbiology #GemmaReguera #oxidation #cellularrespiration #electricmicrobes #educator
~About the Science Communication Lab~
We are a non-profit organization of scientists and filmmakers collaborating on documentaries in order to build a more scientifically-engaged society. Find out more at sciencecommuni...
~ Credits and Resources ~
Directed by Ruth Lichtman & Sharon Shattuck
For full credits and more resources, please visit the film's website at sciencecommuni...
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[@majadivjak4538]

I make 3D animations of the molecular world inside our cells, using scientifically accurate molecular structures. I love what the film makers have done here ie explain complex scientific concepts using simple paper cut outs and moving lights. Adorable and memorable. Just because something is technologically advanced, does not make it a better tool for communication and engagement. It's about knowing your audience and what they need and will respond to.

[@mikeyp73]

Nicely done. Fascinating work.

[@white4346]

🎉🎉🎉🎉congratulations let's keep working to expand and elevate this new branch of microbiology

[@GeoffryGifari]

These "conductive wires" sprouting out of a geobacter, do they conduct electricity the same way neurons do?

[@GeoffryGifari]

So... these geobacter end up reducing the minerals so the metals can be isolated?

[@jimsteen911]

This was utterly astounding and interesting. Kudos on the excellent artwork. In a paradigm of gravity, I’ve always suspected that our limited point of view-constrained by our particular scale, particle horizons, among other things-will give way as the years pass to the much more important and fundamental role of electromagnetism. Its mysteries still abound it seems even as progress continues. Incredibly interesting.

[@Oona707]

So cool!!! 😮

[@HouseJawn]

Am i missing something, don't all cells produce current, charge, electricity?

[@WeRuleThisTown97]

Biology is run by moving energy, but normally it’s through chemical-potential energy Here, it’s like if you stuck a wire into your body, instead of eating or breathing

[@jimsteen911]

You are missing something: a personality, mainly, and discernment. If you can’t recognize the not so subtle differences between our own biological relationship with electromagnetism and a microbe with nano wires feeding on acidic vinegar, stealing its electrons, then instead of discharging its newfound negative charge in some wasteful way-its homemade nanowires specifically grasp onto a mineral, discharges its electrons until this mineral dissolved into its trace metals-freeing that iron to enrich the soil or participate in any one of countless other biological processes or entities. Electronic bio waste.

[@kams2520]

@@WeRuleThisTown97They might be referring to the chemical charge in the cells

[@patates42]

Look at that liddle guy

[@aatt3209]

Imagine, perhaps electromicrobiologists could lead the way to combat abrupt climate change reducing CO2/heat trapping gases. Perhaps.

[@TiberianFiend]

Was this video made by a kindergarten teacher?

[@HouseJawn]

In the age of AI and advanced CGI, we're using paper cut outs to illustrate these biological processes ⚡ 🦠

[@elliotkirschner7245]

We are. We use a variety of animation in our films. Just because something is more technological doesn't mean that it more accurately represents a complicated biological process. The microbiologists and educators who have seen these films found the representations clear, dynamic, engaging, and memorable - all essential elements of a successful approach to science communication.

[@katipohl2431]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@jimsteen911]

In a world with AI, we need more human beings with artistic merit who don’t follow the easier more expedient beaten path-boring and average-but forge their own. Like these students who made this. Unlike cynical, non-personalities in the grips of pubescence both biologically and metaphorically. Like you.

[@billlumemer69]

​@katipohl2431 😂

[@billlumemer69]

​😮