Electrifying Discovery: Scientists Unveil a New Bacterial Species That Acts Like Living Wiring

In a discovery that electrifies both science and imagination, researchers have identified a never-before-seen species of bacteria that conducts electricity across long distances—essentially functioning as living electrical wiring. This microscopic marvel, found hidden in the muddy layers of the Oregon coast, could revolutionize how we think about bioelectronics, environmental cleanup, and even food safety.

Dubbed Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis, this newly discovered cable bacterium adds a fascinating chapter to the story of life’s unseen architectures and raises powerful new possibilities at the intersection of biology and technology. More than just another microbial oddity, Ca. E. yaqonensis may be the spark that ignites a new era of living, breathing, conductive devices.

The Hidden Electricians Beneath Our Feet

Cable bacteria have been on scientists’ radar for just over a decade, but their significance has only recently begun to illuminate. These organisms are unlike anything found in the natural world before—they form long, multicellular filaments by stringing together rod-shaped cells end-to-end, wrapped in a shared outer sheath. Inside this filament, a biological miracle happens: electrons are transported across centimeters of sediment, a feat previously thought impossible for bacteria.

Unlike most living things that rely on direct access to oxygen or another terminal electron acceptor for respiration, cable bacteria cheat the rules. They bridge two chemically distinct zones in mud: the oxygen-rich surface and the sulfidic, oxygen-deprived depths. By conducting electrons across these layers, they make energy from a distance. It’s a bacterial version of running an extension cord from one end of the sediment to another.

A Discovery Rooted in Culture and Community

The new species was discovered in sediment samples collected from Yaquina Bay, a coastal estuary teeming with microbial life. Scientists from Oregon State University, in collaboration with institutions across Europe, identified Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis as distinct not only in its physical structure but in its genetic and metabolic makeup.

The name yaqonensis honors the Yaqona people, the Indigenous inhabitants of the Yaquina Bay region, who are now part of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The researchers collaborated with tribal representatives to select a name that would respect and reflect the cultural and environmental history of the land from which this bacterium arose.

“Naming an ecologically important bacterium after a Tribe recognizes its historical bond with the land and acknowledges its enduring contributions to ecological knowledge and sustainability,” said Cheng Li, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University at the time.

The Bacterium That Bridges Genera

This isn’t just another cable bacterium. Genetically, Ca. E. yaqonensis appears to be a “missing link” of sorts—an evolutionary bridge between the Ca. Electrothrix genus and the only other known cable bacterium genus, Ca. Electronema. Its genome is a patchwork of traits from both groups, along with some never-before-seen features that are drawing particular attention.

“This new species seems to be a bridge, an early branch within the Ca. Electrothrix clade,” Li explained. “It could provide new insights into how these bacteria evolved and how they might function in different environments.”

What makes Ca. E. yaqonensis truly unique, however, lies in its structure. While all cable bacteria conduct electricity, this one takes the concept to new levels.

Thick Ridges and Nickel Wires: A Natural Conductor Like No Other

Under the microscope, Ca. E. yaqonensis stands out with distinctive surface ridges up to three times wider than those of its microbial cousins. These ridges aren’t just aesthetic. They house ultra-conductive fibers composed of unique nickel-based molecules—natural metallic conduits woven into a bacterial body.

This structural adaptation has significant implications. Most known biological conductors rely on iron or other more common metals. The use of nickel, especially in such a high-efficiency configuration, suggests an evolutionary optimization we’ve yet to fully understand.

It also opens the door to technological inspiration. Bioengineers are intrigued by the potential of designing materials that mimic the conductivity and flexibility of these bacterial fibers. Devices that are soft, self-repairing, and biodegradable—traits common in biological systems but rare in electronics—could find their blueprint in Ca. E. yaqonensis.

A Living Power Line for the Earth’s Surface

While its technological promise is exciting, Ca. E. yaqonensis plays an even more immediate role in the environment. By moving electrons through sediment layers, it effectively orchestrates a symphony of redox reactions that shape sediment chemistry and influence nutrient cycling.

Its role in sediment ecology is profound. As it ferries electrons from sulfide-rich zones to oxygenated zones, it supports the transformation of sulfur and nitrogen compounds—reactions essential for maintaining ecosystem balance. It can also help detoxify polluted sediments, offering potential use in environmental bioremediation.

“These bacteria can transfer electrons to clean up pollutants,” Li said. “So they could be used to remove harmful substances from sediments.”

Think of these bacteria as nature’s electricians, wiring the world beneath our feet to sustain life above it.

Found Across the Globe, Adaptable to Extremes

One of the most astonishing features of cable bacteria is their ability to thrive in a wide range of environments—from the salty, anoxic muck of coastal estuaries to the fresh waters of inland lakes and even extreme environments like hot springs and cold, deep-sea sediments.

Ca. E. yaqonensis joins this adaptable club with genetic hallmarks suggesting flexibility in dealing with fluctuating salinity and temperature. That resilience is crucial for any organism being considered for practical applications, particularly in industrial or environmental settings where conditions can be harsh and unpredictable.

This adaptability also hints at untapped biodiversity among cable bacteria. If one estuary mudflat can yield such a remarkable species, what remains hidden in the planet’s countless other submerged, low-oxygen environments?

The Future of Bioelectronics is Biological

As the field of bioelectronics grows, researchers are increasingly looking to nature for inspiration. Devices that incorporate living systems—so-called living electronics—could one day monitor our health, clean up our messes, or even interface with our brains in seamless ways. The conductive capabilities of Ca. E. yaqonensis make it a strong candidate for such technologies.

Its nickel-based conductive proteins might be developed into bio-compatible wiring, while its ability to perform redox reactions could be used to power miniature devices or serve as living sensors in contaminated environments. Imagine a future where bacteria not only help power your home but also monitor air or water quality in real time.

While the technology is still in its infancy, the discovery of Ca. E. yaqonensis offers both inspiration and a testbed for exploring what’s possible when biology and technology work hand in hand.

A Microscopic Tribute to Heritage and Science

In honoring the Yaqona people with the species name, the scientists behind this discovery reminded the world that science is not an isolated endeavor. It exists in a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and ecological context. This partnership between researchers and Indigenous communities serves as a model for how science can be more inclusive and grounded in respect.

And perhaps that’s the most electrifying part of the story. That a tiny organism buried in mud, nearly invisible to the naked eye, can not only challenge our assumptions about life and physics but also bring people together across time, culture, and continents.

With Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, we are not just discovering a bacterium. We are discovering a new way to think about energy, environment, and innovation. And like the electrons it so deftly transports, the potential of this tiny filament is charged with possibilities.

Reference: Anwar Hiralal et al, A novel cable bacteria species with a distinct morphology and genomic potential, Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1128/aem.02502-24