Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria that use photosynthesis to obtain energy, capturing carbon in the process, and the new strain is "one of the fastest growing cyanobacteria… ever reported", says Tierney. He describes cyanobacteria as "nature's little alchemists" as they absorb large amounts of CO2 and can convert it into useful resources, such as fuels or biodegradable plastics.

"Early data showed [this new strain] generated 22% more biomass than the other fastest growing strains out there," says Tierney. As it grows denser and heavier, the microbe sinks in the water, which helps it sequester the CO2 it absorbs, he says.