Luke Freeman
Mr. Ippolito
AP Biology - Review #18
March 11th, 2019
Beyenal, Haluk, and Paul Hohenschuh. “Capturing Bacteria That Eat and Breathe Electricity.”
WSU Insider, Washington State University, 6 Mar. 2019,
In Hohenschuh’s article, he chronicles his trek into Yellowstone National Park, where he conducted research on a species of bacteria. He submerged electrodes into a hot spring, hoping to capture samples of the bacteria. A month later, the team of researchers returned, and were delighted to find that they had obtained some of the bacteria, and proven that these bacteria are able to emit electricity. Hohenschuh goes on to explain the significance of such a find: that these bacteria have the potential to be a solution to the world’s energy crisis. On top of that, these bacteria eat toxins and pollutants, so it can be used to clean up our environment. Hohenschuh concludes the article with noting that we are still far from understanding this evolutionary wonder or being able to replicate the hot springs’ conditions in a lab, but that pursuing this bacteria is important for human survival.
The significance of this research is quite clear. Hohenschuh himself even explains that this technology has the potential to shape our future society. Finding a species of bacteria with properties to not only eat toxins and pollutants, but to convert it to electricity, is unheard of. If we are able to harness the power of these bacteria, be could put an end to the sustainable energy issues that have plagued our society since the Industrial Revolution. While there will be serious roadblocks, such as reproducing these bacteria in mass quantities, as well as creating favorable conditions for their reproduction in a lab, the payoff will be huge. This research is incredibly pertinent to our survival as a species, as the silent killer that is climate change is creeping ever-closer. We must put all our resources into coming up with a solution to limit our emissions before it is too late.
When analyzing the article, good and bad features immediately stand out to me. For starters, Hohenschuh did a great job of setting the scene for the monumental find. On top of that, his explanation of the process by which humans manage electrons is concise and easy to understand. Unfortunately, parts of the article did not hit their mark. One such case would be the analysis of the impacts on human society. While he does allude to it briefly, Hohenschuh does not go into much depth. If I could recommend any improvement, it would most certainly be to flesh out that portion of the article. Other than that, the article served its purpose in notifying the reader of a discovery that could be priceless for humanity.
Ella Stupart
ReplyDeleteMr. Ippolito - C Even
March 18, 2019
Current Event 19
Citation:
Beyenal, Haluk, and Paul Hohenschuh. “Capturing Bacteria That Eat and Breathe Electricity.”
WSU Insider, Washington State University, 6 Mar. 2019,
www.news.wsu.edu/2019/03/05/capturing-bacteria-eat-breathe-electricity/.
Freeman, Luke. Rev. of “Capturing Bacteria That Eat and Breathe Electricity.”
WSU Insider, Washington State University, 6 Mar. 2019,
https://bronxvilleapbiology.blogspot.com/2019/03/bacteria-that-can-eat-pollutants-and.html
In his review, Luke uses intriguing language, explains the significance of the experiment adequately, and explains the setbacks which the scientists may run into. Throughout his review Luke’s use of interesting language keeps the reader’s attention. He tells about the study as if it is a story rather than an academic article. He makes it simple, yet informative and keeps the reader interested the entire time. Luke also does a good job at explaining the significance on the experiment to humans even though he states that the article did not give much information on it. Luke claims that the bacteria being studied can be essential for the survival of the human race. A third strength in this review is that Luke not only tells about the advantages of the study, but also about the setbacks. He says that it will be difficult to grow these bacteria in mass quantities in the correct environment. Acknowledge opposing views or challenges in important in building an argument.
In order to improve this review, Luke could have given more opinions of experts. This would have validated his argument further, because people are more likely to believe an argument that is backed by professionals in the field. He also could have improved his review by explaining how far along we are in this research. It is unclear whether this is an extremely futuristic way of harnessing electricity or whether we will have access to it in the near future.
Before reading this review, I never thought of alternate ways of gaining access to electricity. If we can access electricity from bacteria, what else can we access electricity from? This opened my eyes to a new world of possibility. I will be sure to follow not only this study, but also other studies that are looking to find alternate methods of accessing electricity that are better for the environment.