Scientists discover fast-acting volcanic microbe that consumes CO2.

Scientists have discovered a microbe in a volcanic hot spring that can consume carbon dioxide (CO2) "astonishingly quickly". The researchers hope to use naturally evolved microbes to absorb CO2 as an efficient way of removing the greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. The new microbe, a cyanobacteria, was discovered in volcanic seeps near the Italian island of Vulcano, where the water contains high levels of CO2. The microbe sinks in water, which could help collect the CO2 it absorbs. The project was funded by biotechnology company Seed Health, which is researching the use of microbial enzymes to break down plastics.