Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/ancient-life-resurfaces-after-100-million-years-hidden-beneath-the-seafloor/
In a groundbreaking discovery that challenges our understanding of life’s resilience, scientists have successfully revived ancient microorganisms that lay dormant beneath the seafloor for over 100 million years. Unearthed from sediment cores deep beneath the ocean floor, these microorganisms have “woken up” after a geological epoch of suspended animation, opening new horizons in the study of life’s endurance in extreme environments. The findings, reported by IFLScience, not only shed light on the mysteries of ancient marine ecosystems but also have profound implications for astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth.
Ancient Microorganisms Revive After Spending 100 Million Years Beneath the Seafloor
Recent groundbreaking research has revealed microorganisms that lay dormant for an astonishing span of 100 million years beneath the ocean floor have been successfully revived. These ancient lifeforms, trapped within deep-sea sediments, remained in a state of suspended animation, enduring extreme pressure, scarce nutrients, and near-complete isolation. Scientists consider this revival a monumental discovery, offering unprecedented insights into the resilience of life in extreme conditions and the mechanisms that enable such prolonged dormancy.
This discovery was made possible by specialized drilling expeditions and advanced culturing techniques. The study highlights several key factors contributing to the survival of these microorganisms:
- Metabolic reduction:…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-08-29 13:35:00
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