Tempe, May 16 -- In a breakthrough study that could redefine how scientists understand the atmosphere, researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that fog droplets are not merely suspended water particles drifting through the air but can function as active microscopic ecosystems filled with living bacteria capable of removing atmospheric pollutants.

The study, published in the journal mBio in May 2026, reveals that radiation fogs contain dense populations of metabolically active bacteria, particularly Methylobacterium species, which can break down toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde.

Fog may be more alive than scientists imagined

The research emerged from a multi-year investigation led by scientists from Arizona Stat...