Previously unknown species of bacteria are helping reduce the environmental impacts of alumina and aluminium production and saving the industries millions of dollars, a researcher at The University of Western Australia has found.

Nano coatings of gold on anodes in a microbial electrochemical cell increased electricity production 20 times, boosting the chances of a sewage system that can produce electricity.

Researchers have found that less toxic, naturally occurring nanoparticles have unique optical properties and may one day replace metal-based nanoparticles used for biomedical applications.