Bacterium takes a shine to metals

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Brass mild steel (MS) and copper (Cu) samples compared after incubation with (MR1) and without the presence of the bacteria. Credit: Corrosion and Environmental Effects laboratory Mork Family Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering V ...
Brass, mild steel (MS) and copper (Cu) samples compared after incubation with (+MR1) and without the presence of the bacteria. Credit: Corrosion and Environmental Effects laboratory, Mork Family Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering

Exposed metal surfaces are highly vulnerable to corrosion, but paint or other protective coatings can interfere with some uses, as well as add significant costs. Now, a comprehensive series of experiments suggests a new form of protection: bacteria.


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