[Rockhounds] 2-billion-year-old rock harbors living microbes, rewrites life’s history

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

Microbiologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in a
2-billion-year-old rock located in northeastern South Africa. This
incredibly ancient rock was not only habitable but still contained living
microbes within its “sealed fractures,” as per a recent press release.

“It is the oldest example of living microbes being found within ancient
rock so far discovered,” it said.

Remarkably, these ancient life forms could hold the key to understanding
life in the far reaches of the universe, particularly in rock samples
retrieved from Mars. The search for extraterrestrial life continues, and
this discovery fuels our curiosity.

“By studying the DNA and genomes of microbes like these, we may be able to
understand the evolution of very early life on Earth,” Yohey Suzuki, lead
author from the University of Tokyo, said.

In a new study published in *Microbial Ecology*, microbiologists focused
their research on the Bushveld Igneous Complex in northeastern South
Africa. This geological formation originated from magma cooling beneath the
Earth’s surface and is renowned for its abundant ore deposits, including
70% of the world’s mined platinum.

The immense age of this geological wonder intrigued the researchers from
the University of Tokyo. They were uncertain if the 2-billion-year-old rock
could harbor life and embarked on a mission to uncover the truth.

https://interestingengineering.com/science/2-billion-year-old-rock-harbors-living-microbes-rewrites-lifes-history