Yes, believe it or not, tiny amounts of gold can be found in human hair! While it’s not enough to make you rich, scientists have discovered that trace amounts of gold can accumulate in hair, especially in certain environments.
In a fascinating study, researchers buried hair samples in soil containing gold and bacteria. Over time, they found that the hair absorbed more and more gold, particularly when certain bacteria were present. These bacteria, like Cupriavidus metallidurans, are known for their ability to process gold from their surroundings. When they interact with hair, they seem to help deposit microscopic gold particles onto it.
This means that if you’re in an area with naturally high gold content in the soil or if your hair is exposed to gold-rich environments, it might collect tiny bits of gold over time. However, the amount is so small that you won’t be able to extract gold from your hair like a treasure hunt!
Scientists are still exploring how this process works and whether it could have practical uses, like detecting gold deposits in the environment or even new ways of extracting gold. So, while we may not have golden locks like a fairy tale, our hair does hold some surprising secrets!
