Scientists have recently discovered a greenhouse gas-eating bug that could play a huge part in the fight against global warming. The methane-eating microorganism was found outside of Rotorua, New Zealand, at a toxic hot spring commonly referred to as Hell’s Gate. You guys, this is like the best episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer ever.
These handy spawns of the hellmouth thrive in acidic environments and convert methane into carbon dioxide (which is 20 times less potent) during the digestive process. They may be the solution to reducing methane gas emissions from landfills, geothermal power plants and other problem areas. Biology professor Peter Dunfield named the species Methylokorus infernorum to reflect its “hellish” home, but affectionately refers to it as Damien when no one else is around.