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Hydrogenobody in Cows Linked to 220-lb Methane Emissions

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers in China identified a microbial structure called the hydrogenobody in rumen ciliates that links to dairy-cow methane emissions.
Ciliates with more hydrogenobodies produce more hydrogen, which methanogens convert into methane, leading a single bovine to emit up to 220 pounds of methane annually and livestock to account for nearly 15 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions.
Co-author Jie Xiong said the findings provide a mechanistic framework for future methane-reduction efforts.

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Story summary

Researchers in China identified a microbial structure called the hydrogenobody in rumen ciliates that links to dairy-cow methane emissions.
Ciliates with more hydrogenobodies produce more hydrogen, which methanogens convert into methane, leading a single bovine to emit up to 220 pounds of methane annually and livestock to account for nearly 15 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions.
Co-author Jie Xiong said the findings provide a mechanistic framework for future methane-reduction efforts.