Scientists discover world's oldest microbes trapped in 2-billion-year-old rock

Deep within the Earth’s crust, life has quietly persisted for millennia. (Representative Image: Canva)

Researchers have unearthed living microbes trapped within a 2-billion-year-old rock. Found deep within the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) in South Africa, these ancient microorganisms represent the oldest known example of life within rock. This discovery could shed new light on early Earth and help guide the search for extraterrestrial life.

Unveiling Ancient Life in Rock
Deep within the Earth’s crust, life has quietly persisted for millennia. Scientists have now uncovered microbes that have been living in a rock formation for two billion years. This exciting find comes from the Bushveld Igneous Complex, a vast geological structure known for its rich mineral deposits.

This picture shows many tiny cells in which DNA is abundantly included inside the cells. First, the microbial cells were detected in fractures in the rock sample using an infrared imaging technique called O-PTIR spectroscopy. (Image: Y. Suzuki, S. J. Webb, M. Kouduka et al. 2024/ Microbial Ecology)

To ensure the microbes were truly ancient and not the result of contamination, researchers used advanced imaging techniques. By analysing DNA and proteins within the rock, they were able to verify that these organisms had been sealed in the rock for billions of years.

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A Stable Habitat for Microbes
The Bushveld Igneous Complex formed when magma cooled beneath the Earth’s surface. The rock has remained largely unchanged, providing a stable environment where ancient microbes survived for billions of years. The discovery hints at how life could persist in extreme conditions over vast timescales.

This discovery is significant not only for understanding early life on Earth but also for the ongoing search for life on other planets. Scientists are optimistic that similar findings could be made in rock samples brought back from Mars. Studying these ancient microbes could offer new insights into life’s resilience and evolution.

Techniques used in this study are crucial for analysing future extraterrestrial samples. With NASA’s Mars rover due to return with ancient rocks, researchers hope this new knowledge will assist in confirming potential life beyond Earth.