Researchers from EPFL and partners revealed that the soil bacterium Bacillus megaterium can mineralize CO₂ into high-purity calcium carbonate under elevated CO₂ concentrations, bypassing nitrogen-dependent pathways that generate harmful byproducts like ammonia. This process, driven by carbonic anhydrase enzyme activity, converts 94% of minerals directly from CO₂, presenting a sustainable route for carbon sequestration and potential applications in construction materials. The study published in Scientific Reports highlights a biological carbon capture mechanism with promising environmental implications.