Unknown microbes in deserts: sensational discovery in the marble!

Unknown microbes in deserts: sensational discovery in the marble!

Scientists from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made remarkable discoveries in desert areas of Namibia, Oman and Saudi Arabia. In geological field work, they came across unknown microorganisms that use marble and lime as a habitat. Geologist Cee Paschier, who has been researching in Namibia for 25 years, expressed that it remains unclear whether it is extinct or living life forms. The results of the research were published in the specialist magazine "Geomicrobiology Journal".

The newly discovered structures consist of small tubes that pull through the rock in parallel arrangement. These tubes are about half a millimeter wide and can be up to three centimeters long, with the banded tapes reaching up to ten meters. It is noteworthy that the first finds were made in Namibia 15 years ago, which could now be specified by further examinations. It is believed that the microorganisms have dug tunnels to use nutrients in calcium carbonate (marble).

analysis of the microorganisms

The structures could be between one and two million years old. Calcacies formed in old oceans 500 to 600 million years ago, which became marble through pressure and heat. Interestingly, the strange structures in the marble are not due to geological events, which supports the theory of biological origin. Paschier and his team also found remains of biological material, which indicates that microorganisms have actively perforated the rock.

The examination also showed that the tubes are filled with fine calcium carbonate powder, which underpins the thesis that these microorganisms use nutrients from the rock. Endolithic microorganisms that use rock as a livelihood could therefore be responsible for the formation of these structures. However, analysts did not discover DNA or proteins for further analysis, and the exact type of microorganisms remains unknown for the time being.