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2 clusters · 5 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated
Halicephalobus mephisto deep-subsurface discovery
Overview
The discovery and study of the microscopic nematode Halicephalobus mephisto, known as the "devil worm," has challenged previous biological assumptions regarding the depth at which life can exist. Found approximately 1.3 kilometers underground in a South African gold mine, this multicellular organism thrives in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and high pressure without sunlight.
Researchers have successfully established laboratory colonies through parthenogenesis, allowing for the cultivation of the species. Studies indicate that the worm possesses a high number of genes producing heat-shock proteins to survive extreme heat. The existence of this species in the deep subsurface provides significant implications for astrobiology, suggesting that life could potentially exist in similar extreme environments on other planets.
Entities
Karen Lloyd · Gaetan Borgonie · Halicephalobus mephisto · University of Washington · Halicephalobus mephisto
Timeline
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4 days ago
[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sourcesHalicephalobus mephisto discovery challenges limits of lifeThe discovery of the Halicephalobus mephisto, or
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11 days ago
[TECHNOLOGY] 3 sourcesHalicephalobus mephisto: Deep‑Earth ‘Devil Worm’ Shows Subsurface LifeHalicephalobus mephisto, the “devil worm,” lives 1.3 km underground, feeding on bacteria and reshaping understanding of deep‑Earth life, studied by US and Belgian scientists.
Sources
eluniverso.com · ieidiseis.gr · lapatilla.com · sertao24horas.com.br · thesundaily.my