Short Wave These little microbes may help solve our big problems
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Jan 12, 2026 
Ari Daniel, a science reporter, explores the fascinating world of microbes and their potential to address major global challenges. He highlights how these tiny organisms thrive in extreme environments, from rust-making microbes to household sludge. The Two Frontiers Project seeks out microbial solutions for carbon capture and coral reef restoration. Ari shares discoveries from a treasure hunt in our homes, revealing how these unique microbes might help us tackle pollution and waste. It's a miniature adventure with big implications for our future!
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Microbial Rust At Iron Spring
- Ari Daniel describes visiting Iron Spring near Manitou Springs to collect orange rust-like material from a mineral well.
- James Henriksen explains that microbes — not just chemistry — can create rusty deposits, and he collects them for study.
Prospecting Microbes For Global Problems
- Brayden Tierney and James Henriksen founded Two Frontiers Project to prospect microbes for big problems like carbon capture and coral health.
- They found microbes in diverse sites, including a CO2-sucking microbe from volcanic vents nicknamed "Chonkas."
A Fast, Sinking Carbon Sinker
- Chonkas grows rapidly and sinks to the bottom of the water column, making collected carbon easier to remove.
- Brayden's team thinks Chonkas could be a candidate for scaled CO2 removal if practical deployment challenges are solved.