An unusual bowl-shaped molecule (shown) that pulls carbon dioxide out of the air may provide exciting new possibilities for dealing with global warming, a scientist says.

The accidental discovery of a bowl-shaped molecule that pulls carbon dioxide out of the air suggests exciting new possibilities for dealing with global warming, including genetically engineering microbes to manufacture those CO2 "catchers.”

In the new study that another scientist discovered the molecule while doing research unrelated to global climate change.

Carbon dioxide was collecting in the molecule, and the scientist realized that it was coming from air in the lab. These qualities might make it useful as an industrial absorbent for removing carbon dioxide.

American Chemical Society