PARIS BIOTECH REVOLUTION: City of Light Unveils ‘Living Streets’ That Absorb Pollution and Regrow Pavement From Bacteria Within a Decade
In a world-first urban transformation, Paris has announced its "Bio-Asphalt" initiative—streets embedded with genetically engineered bacteria that consume carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, converting them into durable, self-repairing pavement. By 2035, the city plans to cover 60% of its roads with this living material, cutting air pollution by 40% and eliminating potholes. Critics worry about unintended ecosystem effects, but early tests show the bacteria die off after three years, leaving behind a non-toxic, resilient surface. The move has sparked a global race for "living infrastructure," with New York, Tokyo, and Lagos already seeking licensing deals.