April 18, 2023

24 minutes

Available for over a year

Many people associate bacteria with dirt and disease. But a lot of bacteria are good for us. And scientists around the world are using them to help us do all sorts of useful things like recycle, clean up waste and produce food.

We find out how bacteria are salvaging metal from electronic waste. We taste the protein-rich food additive that is made from bacteria. Plus, we explore how bacteria are helping to reduce the impact of farming on the environment.

Presenter: Myra Anubi

Reporter: Rosie Blunt

Series producer: Tom Colls

Sound mix: Hal Haines

Editor: Penny Murphy

Thanks to Prof Sebastien Farnaud, Coventry University

Email: [email protected]

Image: Computer illustration of bacteria (Getty images)