by Lance D Johnson, Natural News:
Deep in the forests of Finland, scientists have uncovered a secret alchemy hidden within the needles of Norway spruce trees. They discovered gold nanoparticles so small they’re invisible to the naked eye, naturally assimilated with the help of symbiotic bacteria. The scientists catch a glimpse into nature’s intricate dance between trees, bacteria, and trace metals, with implications that stretch from mineral exploration to human health.
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A study published in Environmental Microbiome reveals that certain spruce trees near Finland’s Kittilä gold mine contain tiny gold particles, formed with the help of symbiotic bacteria living inside their needles. These microbes, known as endophytes, play a crucial role in transforming soluble gold from the soil into solid nanoparticles—a process that could revolutionize how we search for precious metals while shedding light on the hidden connections between biology and geology.
But beyond prospecting, this discovery hints at something deeper: the way trace gold interacts with living systems, from plants to people. Could these microscopic flecks of gold, forged by microbial alchemy, hold clues to health benefits long overlooked by modern science?
Key points:
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- Scientists found gold nanoparticles in Norway spruce needles near Finland’s largest gold mine, suggesting trees absorb trace metals from the soil.
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- Symbiotic bacteria inside the needles help concentrate gold, reducing its toxicity and forming nanoparticles—a process called bio-mineralization.
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- While the gold content is too small for commercial harvesting, it could serve as a natural indicator of underground gold deposits.
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- Trace gold in plants and microbes may have unrecognized health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to enhanced nutrient absorption.
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- The discovery underscores nature’s interconnectedness—how bacteria, plants, and metals interact in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
The microbial goldsmiths inside spruce trees
Gold doesn’t just appear in trees by chance—it’s a carefully orchestrated process involving tiny microbial partners. The study found that specific bacteria, including Cutibacterium and Corynebacterium, thrive in spruce needles containing gold nanoparticles. These microbes secrete sticky biofilms that trap and stabilize gold ions, transforming them into harmless, solid particles.
“Our results suggest that bacteria and other microbes living inside plants may influence the accumulation of gold in trees,” says lead researcher Kaisa Lehosmaa of the University of Oulu. This microbial mediation isn’t just fascinating, it could lead to new “mining” operations. Screening for these bacteria in plants could lead to eco-friendly mineral exploration, reducing the need for destructive drilling.
