CNN —Scientists have scoured the depths of the ocean and outer space for microbes to help slow global warming. “Unusual colors, smells, textures, and other data” can help scientists identify areas of interest, Tierney said. The World Economic Forum named microbial carbon capture as one of the world’s top emerging technologies in a June report, but the technology is still in its infancy, with companies running pilot-scale programs to test commercial viability. Carbon capture — which includes a range of technology from huge vacuum-type facilities able to suck climate pollution from the air to carbon-absorbing sponges — remains controversial as a climate solution. “That’s why these technologies make sense in places where such energy is available in a sustainable manner.”The potential uses of extremophile microbes in biotech extend beyond carbon capture, according to Tierney.

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Persons: Braden Tierney, ” Tierney, —, Tierney, ”, Wilfried Weber, isn’t, Weber, ” Ara Katz Organizations: CNN —, Seed, Health, CNN, “, Volunteers, Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Economic, UN, Seed Health Locations: United States, Vulcano, Germany, dishwashers