Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered MISO bacteria, microbes that “breathe” iron minerals while oxidizing toxic sulfide. This new metabolic process converts sulfide into sulfate, generating energy for growth and helping prevent the spread of oxygen-depleted ocean “dead zones.”By linking sulfur, iron, and carbon cycles, these microbes accelerate reactions that were previously thought to be purely chemical, shaping nutrient cycling and influencing greenhouse gas levels. Found in marine sediments and wetlands worldwide, MISO bacteria highlight the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining ocean health and global elemental balance.
