Conservationists in Rome have begun a pioneering project to treat the Colosseum’s internal foundations with a revolutionary 'bio-cement.' The technology involves injecting specialized bacteria that, when exposed to moisture and air in concrete cracks, produce calcium carbonate to naturally fill and seal the gaps.
This bio-restoration technique is being hailed as the future of heritage preservation, as it avoids the use of harsh chemical resins that can damage ancient stone over time. If successful, the Italian Ministry of Culture plans to expand the use of 'living masonry' to other vulnerable Roman structures across the Mediterranean that are facing increased erosion due to climate-driven humidity changes.