New species of bacteria found in Gateshead park

A TYNESIDE scientist has discovered a newly-identified species of bacteria in a tree that sits in one of the region's most popular parks. Dr Ryan Thompson recently completed a PhD in which he focused on what bacteria are found in the "root nodules" of elder trees.

- SAM VOLPE

After searching high and low quite literally for trees in the right conditions which might have interesting bacteria burrowed away in their roots, Dr Thompson, 27, found an Elder tree on the banks of Saltwell Park's lake which fitted the bill. There, he found a species which could be helpful in protecting the environment and even producing new antibiotics.

Now in work he has had published in the prestigious International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology, he and colleagues have isolated a new form of bacteria - known as Amycolatopsis ponsaeliensis.

The new name highlights how this bacteria was found on Tyneside as it is derived from "Pons Aelius" - the Latin name for the Roman fort on the site of the city of Newcastle.