A groundbreaking discovery by scientists has unveiled the presence of living microorganisms in a sealed fracture of 2-billion-year-old rock from South Africa. The research team, led by Yohey Suzuki, an associate professor of earth and planetary science at the University of Tokyo, along with international colleagues, conducted a detailed analysis of a sample extracted from a depth of 15 meters within the rock.
This discovery, published in the international academic journal Microbial Ecology, sheds light on the possibility of these microorganisms being the oldest confirmed life forms to date. The rock specimen, originating from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in northeastern South Africa, has been carefully examined and sterilized to prevent contamination from external sources, ensuring the integrity of the findings.
Through a meticulous process of utilizing a specialized chemical to identify DNA, the research team detected cells with DNA and proteins derived from microorganisms within the rock. Despite the age of the rock formation and the remarkable preservation of the specimen, uncertainties remain regarding the exact era to which these microorganisms belong, as highlighted by experts such as Ken Takai, who specializes in microbiology.