These findings push the boundaries of our understanding of resilience and longevity.
Saturday, 19 Oct 2024 06:06:06 Discovery of microbes still alive after 2 billion years (©University of Tokyo)
Scientists found ancient microbes still alive and thriving in cracks in 2 billion year old rock. These findings push the boundaries of our understanding of resilience and longevity.
This tiny organism was discovered when a team of scientists analyzed rock chips. Inside it was found dense microbial cells in small cracks.
Anyone else asking too?
The cracks are sealed with clay, creating a closed system in which microbes can survive without outside interference. The cells seem to live life in slow motion, barely evolving over millions of years.
To ensure the microbes came from the rock and were not contaminants, the researchers used a subtle technique involving three types of imaging: infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and fluorescent microscopy.
By staining the cells’ DNA and examining the surrounding proteins and clay, they confirmed the organisms were alive and came from ancient samples.
Lead researcher and professor from the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo, Yohey Suzuki, could not hide his excitement at this discovery.
“We will never know whether 2 billion year old rocks are habitable,” he said, quoted from the Earth page, Friday (18/10).
“To date, the oldest geological layers in which living microorganisms have been found are 100 million year old deposits beneath the sea floor, so this is a very exciting discovery.”
By studying the DNA and genomes of microbes like this, scientists may be able to understand the evolution of early life on Earth.
Stable Environment
Rock samples harboring these ancient microbes were excavated from the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) in northeastern South Africa.
The BIC, which is the size of Ireland, is famous for its rich ore reserves, including around 70 percent of the world’s mined platinum.
Due to their formation from slowly cooled magma and minimal change over thousands of years, BICs provide a stable environment for microbial life.
The University of Tokyo team, with the support of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) – a non-profit organization that funds exploration at geological sites – obtained a 30-centimetre-long core sample from about 15 meters underground. The rock varies up to 8 kilometers in thickness and is relatively undisturbed, making it an ideal habitat for organisms to survive geological timescales.
One interesting aspect of this finding is the role of clay in preserving these microbes. Clay acts as a natural barrier, sealing cracks in the rock and preventing anything from getting in or out of the rock. This is what creates a stable microenvironment so that these organisms can survive for billions of years.
These findings were published in the journal Microbial Ecology.
The Unbelievable Survival of 2 Billion-Year-Old Microbes: Welcome to the Party!
These findings push the boundaries of our understanding of resilience and longevity.
Date: Saturday, 19 Oct 2024
Source: Discovery of microbes still alive after 2 billion years (©University of Tokyo)
Ah, the wonders of science! Who knew that hidden in our planet’s crust were tiny organisms just twiddling their thumbs for a casual 2 billion years? Should we be calling them ancient microbes or checkbook-loving pensioners? Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered living microbes nestled in cracks of 2 billion-year-old rock, proving that these little critters take “long-term life plans” to a whole new level!
Now, let’s be honest, if I had to live in a rock for 2 billion years, I’d have a bit of a bone to pick with the universe—but not these guys. These tiny organisms have found a cozy abode sealed with clay that keeps out the chaos of the outside world. It’s like they’re living in their own little Airbnb that hasn’t been reviewed since the dinosaurs roamed around! Talk about being off the grid!
The scientists stumbled upon these living wonders while analyzing rock chips—because that’s what scientists do, rock chips and all! They found dense microbial cells ensconced in tiny crevices, proving that if you wait long enough, even microbes can become evolutionary fossils, just chilling in “slow motion.” It’s a miracle of longevity—as if they’ve been holding out for the ultimate Netflix series, “Microbes: The Paleolithic Edition.”
But hold on, the real genius lies in the researchers’ technique to ascertain that these microbes weren’t just party crashers from the 21st century! They used infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and fluorescent microscopy. Quite the high-tech cocktail! We’ve got bacteria in one hand and technology in the other—is this a scientific discovery or a mad scientist’s fantasy?
Meet the Legend: Yohey Suzuki
Lead researcher and all-around rock star, Professor Yohey Suzuki, was buzzing with excitement at this groundbreaking find. “We will never know whether 2 billion-year-old rocks are habitable,” he stated. Well, that’s one way to keep the mystery alive—because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to spice up a geological lecture with the idea that something might just be plotting its grand escape from the Earth’s crust?
The microbial sample was extracted from the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) in South Africa, known for its precious ores. Why does it matter? Because it’s the size of Ireland and contains about 70% of the world’s mined platinum. Essentially, if you find ancient microbes there, it’s a two-for-one deal: “Here’s your historical rock and some platinum to go with it!” It’s the world’s most bizarre combo offer.
Thanks to consistent geological conditions over millions of years, these microbial homes remained stable. Those rocks don’t know how to change! And clay, bless its little heart, plays a vital role in creating a comfortable microenvironment. It’s like a security system that says, “No entry, microbes only!”
Bacterial Encapsulation: Nature’s Own Tupperware!
Imagine those little microbes sealed safely away like leftovers in Tupperware—except instead of yesterday’s lasagna, you’ve got living organisms developing over billions of years! They are the unsung heroes of evolution; they survived the Great Extinction, the dinosaur age, and are still here—probably throwing a party while we scurry around in our frantic, modern lives.
This research shines a light on how studying such resilient organisms can provide insights into the early life on Earth. It’s like opening a time capsule with microorganisms as the janitors from back in the day. And while we’re at it, does anyone want to bet these microbes have the ultimate secrets of life all laid out, just waiting to be uncovered?
So, next time you find yourself complaining about the local weather or your misbehaving pet, remember: somewhere down in those billion-year-old rocks are microbes that have outlasted it all. They’ve literally seen it all—so they might just have the best advice for our daily dramas!
In conclusion, here’s a shout-out to the tiny titans that defy time—a reminder that life can persist in the most unexpected places. If they can do it, so can we—unless, of course, you’re trying to get out of your lease.
Find the full study published in Microbial Ecology for more tales from the tardy microbial time travelers!
