Paper: Deep sub-seafloor prokaryotes stimulated at interfaces over geological time

The low-down on bacteria

The recent discovery of bacteria in deep sediments and rocks, seemingly able
to survive for millions of years with hardly any energy supply, has profound
implications. For example, it impinges on theories of the origin of life,
the prospects for subsurface life on other planets, and fossil fuel
formation. Not surprisingly then, there is considerable controversy
regarding these claims. Now a new survey shows that bacteria in deep marine
sediments are not only active but are stimulated in the subsurface by
chemical and geological changes occurring on geological timescales.

Abstract, Summary and full text links at Nature
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v436/n7049/edsumm/e050721-14.html

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek


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