Desulforudis audaxviator, or "bold traveller," is a newly discovered type of bacteria that lives without oxygen. It survives on water, hydrogen and sulphate for energy. The "bold traveller" was discovered in a South African gold mine. The find is significant because the microorganism proves that life can exist without oxygen, and therefore possibly on other planets.Science Daily: Journey Toward The Center Of...
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Fast Facts
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Desulforudis audaxviator, in English, "bold traveller"
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Discovered underground at the Mponeng mine near Johannesburg
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First single microorganism with it's own ecosystem
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Survives without oxygen or light
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Analysis shows the Desulforudis audaxviator is energized by radioactive decay from uranium in surrounding rocksABC News: Goldmine Bug DNA May Be Key to Alien Life (October 10, 2008)
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Protects its DNA and RNA from drying out, avoids starving and toxic chemicals by forming tough shells called "endospores"ABC News: Goldmine Bug DNA May Be Key to Alien Life (October 10, 2008)
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The find proves that life can exist is extreme environments, without oxygen, possibly on other planetsScience Daily: Journey Toward The Center Of ... (October 10, 2008)
