Scientist Create New Form Of Life That Auxim Eats Only Pine Needles

September 23, 2020 || Point Mugu, California

Scientists at the SpaceX Biotechnology lab today announced the creation of an entirely new life form. This life form, dubbed Auxim, can subsist on a diet of pine needles alone. "After 20 years of painstaking research, we have created the first organism able to break down the tough cellulose of pine needles and use them as its sole source of nutrition," said lead researcher Dr. Axel Hemmelgarn.

Auxim appears as a small round organism, about the size of a walnut. However, according to the scientists, its simple body hides an incredibly sophisticated biological mechanism. "Auxim has a highly evolved gut cavity containing microbial cultures that can efficiently break down the cellulose fibers in pine needles. It is a true biomimetic triumph."

The creation of Auxim has immense implications. It could lead to new biofuels and bio-plastics, helping reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. "We envision Auxim as the catalyst for a new biodegradable materials industry," said Hemmelgarn.

Some conservation groups have raised concerns about releasing Auxim into the wild. However, the scientists at SpaceX Biotech assure that Auxim has limited mobility and poses no threat to existing ecosystems. "It has no ability to propagate on its own and can only survive by consuming pine needles. We estimate its impact will be wholly beneficial."

The discovery of Auxim is published today in the scientific journal Nature. Field tests of Auxim will begin next month in controlled environments before any potential large-scale release. This breakthrough in synthetic biology is reshaping humanity's relationship with nature in profound and exciting new ways.