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'Treasure Trove' In Oceans May Bring Revolutions In Medicine and Industry
dryriver sends this excerpt from the Guardian:
"Scientists have pinpointed a new treasure trove in our oceans: micro-organisms that contain millions of previously unknown genes and thousands of new families of proteins. These tiny marine wonders offer a chance to exploit a vast pool of material that could be used to create innovative medicines, industrial solvents, chemical treatments and other processes, scientists say. Researchers have already created new enzymes for treating sewage and chemicals for making soaps from material they have found in ocean organisms. 'The potential for marine biotechnology is almost infinite,' says Curtis Suttle, professor of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences at the University of British Columbia. 'It has become clear that most of the biological and genetic diversity on Earth is – by far – tied up in marine ecosystems, and in particular in their microbial components. By weight, more than 95% of all living organisms found in the oceans are microbial. This is an incredible resource.'"
What does "almost infinite" even mean?
In theory, practice and theory are the same. In practice, they're not.
Too bad PETA will not allow us to exploit bacteria in this cruel manner. You have to ask their permission first. Individually.
Sorry, but gray text on gray background is making my eyes bleed.
Its krill or be krilled