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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Under Antarctic Glacier, Life Exists Without Light, Oxygen

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(Newser) – Scientists have discovered an Antarctic ecosystem of microorganisms cut off from light and oxygen for as many as 2 million years, the Guardian reports. The microbes, living under one-third of a mile of ice, in a 14-degree lake four times as salty as seawater, give researchers clues to how life could exist on other planets, and how it survived on Earth during extreme conditions in the past.

The researchers believe the organisms, lacking oxygen, “breathe” iron. Without sunlight for photosynthesis, they may subsist on organic matter locked in the lake with them. DNA analysis shows “species living there are similar to contemporary organisms, and yet quite different,” said a scientist. “A result, no doubt, of having lived in such an inhospitable environment for so long.”

Researchers have access to runoff from the underground lake through Blood Falls, a feature in Antarctica caused by iron-rich minerals spilling out of the Taylor Glacier.
Researchers have access to runoff from the underground lake through Blood Falls, a feature in Antarctica caused by iron-rich minerals spilling out of the Taylor Glacier.   (AP Photo)
A giant scale worm is seen on the Antarctic seabed at 645 meters (2116 feet) below the surface in Antarctic waters.
A giant scale worm is seen on the Antarctic seabed at 645 meters (2116 feet) below the surface in Antarctic waters.   (AP Photo)
The Antarctic landscape is seen near the Troll Research Station.
The Antarctic landscape is seen near the Troll Research Station.   (AP Photo)
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When I started running the chemical analysis on it, there was no oxygen. That was when this got really interesting. it was a real eureka moment.
- Jill Mikucki, Dartmouth College

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7 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 16, 09 3:18 PM CDT
"The researchers believe", (read) theorize, guess, it may be, it could be, speculate that, hypothesize, suppose, propound. Now students, this is not synonymous with "we're sure it's a fact", okay? Reply
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Rob
Apr 16, 09 4:11 PM CDT
That is not how it works, terror. Nor was this article written by one of the researchers.
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IN RESPONSE:
chicken
Apr 16, 09 8:19 PM CDT
Science never states "we're sure it's a fact". More often, it's "data supports our theory." In most sciences, anything below 94% significance is dismissed. So if a scientist believes something, it's most likely happening.
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AS1280
Apr 16, 09 3:52 PM CDT
Fascinating. Reply
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riffran
Apr 16, 09 7:14 PM CDT
I troll sciencedaily....frequently....and they have even found similiar "extremophiles" in core samples a few thousand feet below the ocean bed in strata over 200 degrees f, and subject to extreme pressure......awsome stuff to peruse over if your into biology Reply
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