Science
Fog acts as active habitat for metabolizing microbes, research finds
Recent studies suggest fog hosts living ecosystems that alter atmospheric chemistry, according to Scientific American.
The short version
- Researchers discovered bacteria growing in Pennsylvania fog water, consuming simple carbon compounds and metabolizing formaldehyde.[Scientific American]
- A separate study of 13 Amazon rainforest fog events identified numerous microbes living within suspended water droplets.[Scientific American]
- Scientists are still uncertain whether all identified organisms actively perform typical nutrient-cycling roles while suspended in fog.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- Bacteria collected from Pennsylvania fog water consumed carbon compounds, grew in number, and metabolized formaldehyde.[Scientific American]
- A study examining 13 Amazon rainforest fog events identified diverse species of airborne bacteria and fungi.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether fungi and bacteria sampled in Amazon fog actively carry out nutrient cycling and organic breakdown roles in the air.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Fog may be hiding secret ecosystemsScientific American metered