CORVALLIS, Ore. — Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a new species of bacteria in Yaquina Bay that could lead to advances in medicine, industry and environmental cleanup.
The species, named Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, acts like a natural electrical wire — conducting electricity over distances — and may open the door to future bioelectronic devices. Researchers found it in mudflat samples taken from the Oregon coast and named it in collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, honoring the Yaqona people who originally inhabited the region.
“This new species seems to be a bridge within the cable bacteria family, and it could offer fresh insight into their evolution and functionality,” said Cheng Li, who led the discovery. Li, a former postdoctoral researcher at OSU, is currently on the faculty at James Madison University but will return to Oregon State this summer as an assistant professor…