Scientists in Australia have made a groundbreaking discovery in the search for clean energy. They have found an enzyme in bacteria that can convert air into energy. The research team, from Monash University, discovered that this enzyme uses trace amounts of hydrogen in the atmosphere to create an electrical current. The team analyzed a hydrogen-consuming enzyme from a common soil bacterium to make this discovery.

Professor Chris Greening from Monash University stated that they had been aware for some time that bacteria could utilize the small amount of hydrogen in the atmosphere for their growth and survival in extreme environments, including Antarctic soils, volcanic craters, and the deep ocean. However, Greening added that they were not aware of the method through which the bacteria achieved this until now.

A bacteria known as Mycobacterium smegmatis was used by the researchers to obtain the enzyme necessary for utilizing atmospheric hydrogen. Scientists gave this enzyme the name Huc and demonstrated how it can convert hydrogen gas into an electrical current.

 Ashleigh Kropp, a PhD student at Monash University said that purified Huc could be stored for long periods. Kropp stated that it was astonishingly stable and even when it is frozen or heated to 80 degrees Celsius, it can retain its ability to generate energy. The researchers also stated that Huc is a "natural battery" that produces a consistent electrical current from the air or added hydrogen.

This discovery could revolutionize the way we create energy, providing a new, clean, and sustainable source of power. The potential of this research is enormous and could lead to the development of innovative and eco-friendly devices that could change the world.