Science could harness genetic secrets of newly discovered microbial life – but there are fears of ecosystem damage
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.
See full Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/10/marine-treasure-trove-medicine
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