New Cyanobacteria Strain 'Chonkus' Could Revolutionize Carbon Sequestration and Biomanufacturing

**A team of international scientists has discovered a new strain of cyanobacteria, dubbed 'Chonkus', thriving near volcanic ocean vents off the coast of Vulcano, Sicily.** This strain is particularly skilled at growing quickly in CO₂-rich environments and sinking in water, making it an exciting candidate for biological carbon sequestration and bioproduction of valuable substances. The research, led by scientists from the United States and Italy, was published in the journal *Applied and Environmental Microbiology*. By recreating the natural conditions of warmth, light, and abundant CO₂ in the lab, scientists identified that Chonkus forms larger, denser colonies compared to other strains, showcasing its potential for industrial advantages. The algae's characteristics, such as its growth density and tendency to settle into a dense biomass, could significantly reduce production costs, which are usually hampered by high resource use. **These traits make Chonkus particularly valuable for industries interested in carbon capture and sustainable biomanufacturing**, as it combines carbon sequestration and production in one organism. This discovery is not just limited to lab research; the Two Frontiers Project has been launched to further explore microbial diversity in extreme environments, potentially unlocking more species that have evolved traits beneficial for human applications. Renowned geneticist George Church emphasizes the importance of harnessing natural evolution in climate change efforts and ensuring bio-containment strategies accompany these scientific advancements. **This project illustrates a novel approach to using nature-inspired innovation at the Wyss Institute** as part of its Sustainable Futures Initiative.