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Thriving Microbial Life Discovered in Mariana Trench Mud

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists have discovered thriving microbial life in blue volcanic mud nearly seven kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean in the Mariana Trench.
The extremophiles metabolize energy without sunlight, deriving energy from hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane in pH 12.6 mud.
The study from the University of Bremen highlights a chemosynthetic biosphere independent of the photic zone.
Future research aims to cultivate these microorganisms to understand their survival strategies.

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Story summary

Scientists have discovered thriving microbial life in blue volcanic mud nearly seven kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean in the Mariana Trench.
The extremophiles metabolize energy without sunlight, deriving energy from hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane in pH 12.6 mud.
The study from the University of Bremen highlights a chemosynthetic biosphere independent of the photic zone.
Future research aims to cultivate these microorganisms to understand their survival strategies.