Living on Caffeine

The article written by Veronique Greenwood describes how scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that can derive energy by consuming caffeine, essentially making the phrase, "living on caffeine," literal.

Last month, scientists discovered a new bacterium that possesses the capability to derive energy from caffeine when consumed.  They also use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine that human beings aren't able to extract because we do not possess the correct enzymes needed to break down caffeine.  Scientists theorize that once the entire human microbiome is sequenced during future testing, the discovery of a hidden enzyme possessing the same capabilities of the enzyme found in this newly discovered bacterium could be quite possible.  If an enzyme similar to or the same as the enzyme in this bacterium is discovered inside of humans, scientists may be able to start the process that would allow us to use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine, and essentially make it possible for human beings to live off of caffeine.

Personally, I don't normally drink coffee, or anything caffeinated for that matter.  The chances that I would be affected in any way by having an enzyme discovered that could break down caffeine are very slim, given the fact that I stay away from caffeinated beverages.