Scientists have discovered a new organelle called the hydrogenobody inside gut microbes of cattle, shedding light on methane emissions. Found in single-celled ciliates living in the rumen, this structure produces hydrogen, which fuels methane-producing microbes.
Since ruminants contribute nearly 30% of agricultural methane, this finding could open new ways to reduce emissions. Researchers observed that more ciliates meant higher methane output, especially species like Vestibuliferida.
Targeting these microbes may help cut emissions — but without harming milk and meat production remains a key challenge.
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