Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astrobiology by finding tiny microbes living inside ancient volcanic rock. The team from the University of Tokyo drilled into an enormous igneous formation in South Africa and found evidence of microbial life dating back 2.05 billion years.
The study used advanced techniques such as optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy to map chemical fingerprints at the micron scale, including amide peaks that indicate proteins. This method allowed researchers to detect cell-shaped specks clustered in protein-rich veins.
The discovery points to an underground world where microbes thrive on chemistry rather than sunlight. The team found that ancient rocks can host life, and the stability of these rocks allows microbes to persist for long periods.
This research has significant implications for our understanding of the possibility of extraterrestrial life, particularly on Mars. NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover is expected to return rock samples, some of which could be similar in age to the ancient volcanic rock examined in this study.
The study highlights the importance of carefully designed experiments and techniques to separate true subsurface life from modern contamination. This research opens up a new path for scientists to explore the deep biosphere on Earth and refine search strategies for life in extreme settings elsewhere.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-found-sealed-inside-2-billion-year-old-rock