Biofilm-producing bacteria could stabilize buildings

From Atlanta, at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology

Bacteria that secrete a sticky goo can increase the strength of soil, a trait that scientists say could eventually prevent damage to buildings in sandy, earthquake-prone areas.

When an earthquake strikes, it can shake soil so violently that it breaks up, sometimes leading to the collapse of buildings. Currently, the most common way to stabilize earthquake-vulnerable buildings is to flow cement into the soil beneath them.