Ancient microbes were discovered by biologists in a Mexican cave system known as both Fairyland and hell, phys.org reports.
Named for both its stunning beauty and oppressive heat, the cave systems are home to 40 different strains of microbes, and even some viruses, according to findings presented in Boston at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference.
“It’s super life,” Penelope Boston, head of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute, reportedly said.
Trapped in crystals, the dormant microbes were able to survive on minerals, including iron and manganese, according to Boston. The microbes are so unusual that genetically, their nearest relatives are about as similar to them as mushrooms are to humans.
The findings still need to be peer reviewed and published in a scientific journal to be confirmed. In the meantime, learn more about the microbes here.
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