By combining an artist and scientific quest, the two professors at Michigan State University found that a certain type of metal-loving bacteria can transform high amounts of the toxic chemical compound gold chloride from a liquid into solid 24-karat gold.

FORBES: FOCUS: 'Microbial Alchemy' Produces Gold From Toxic Chemical

Likewise, there was a nearly 27 year period where gold produced a negative nominal compound return and a significantly negative real return.

FORBES: Gold's Twelve Month March To $3,800

There was success for Britain in the men's compound with Andrew Rikunenko taking the gold medal, which, combined with a recurve mixed team bronze, left Great Britain fifth in the overall medal rankings.

BBC: Nicky Hunt satisfied with Euro archery finish

Whether through gold bars or bracelets, gold demand from Chinese households has risen since Jan. 2000 at a compound average growth rate of 8.9% year-on-year.

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The 19, 000-square-foot Casa Casuarina in South Beach has 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, and a centerpiece to the gated compound is a 54-foot-long pool lined in 24-karat gold and adorned with mosaics, frescos, statues, arched doorway and a courtyard, according to real estate agents with Coldwell Banker.

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