Chapter 1: Bacteria Discovered in Oceanic Rocks

Recent findings have unveiled the presence of bacteria nestled within volcanic rocks sourced from the ocean floor. This remarkable discovery prompts intriguing questions regarding the potential for life on Mars.

The identification of bacteria within the confines of rocks beneath the ocean suggests that the possibility of life on Mars may be more plausible than previously thought. If these microscopic organisms can survive in such extreme conditions here on Earth, it is conceivable that life could similarly exist within comparable formations on the Red Planet.

The bacteria were located in narrow fissures of rocks extracted from below the Pacific Ocean. The research team behind this discovery posits that these cracks could harbor bacterial populations as diverse and abundant as those found in the human gut, with estimates reaching around 10 billion cells per cubic centimeter, which is an astonishing 100 million times denser than the typical bacterial distribution in the surrounding ocean floor.

Evidence suggests that Mars may have once been home to expansive oceans where life could have developed in ancient times. Yohey Suzuki, an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo, expressed optimism about finding life on Mars, stating, “I am now almost over-expecting that I can find life on Mars. If not, it must be that life relies on some other process that Mars does not have, like plate tectonics.”

Dr. Steven D’Hondt, co-chief scientist from the University of Rhode Island, who was part of the Pacific expedition central to this study, will be featured in an interview on the Astronomy News with The Cosmic Companion podcast on April 28.

Section 1.1: Geological Insights from Underwater Volcanism

Underwater volcanic eruptions can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,200 Fahrenheit), and as this lava cools in the frigid ocean waters, it solidifies into rocks characterized by minute cracks. Over millions of years, these fissures (up to 1 mm across) become filled with clay, akin to that used in pottery. Bacteria migrate into the clay and proliferate, forming extensive colonies.

The samples were gathered during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) expedition in late 2010, with core samples collected from three sites between Tahiti and New Zealand.

The ancestral microbes likely entered through seawater traversing the basalt fractures. Dr. D’Hondt explained, “The clay formed in place, from alteration of the basalt. Seawater flows continuously through these fractures.”

Chapter 2: The Search for Life on Mars

The first video titled "Signs of Ancient Life on Mars? Here's What We See in This Intriguing Rock #Shorts" explores the potential indicators of ancient life found in Martian rocks, drawing parallels to recent oceanic discoveries.

The expedition utilized a drill connected to a metal tube measuring 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles) in length, which penetrated up to 125 meters (410 feet) beneath the ocean floor. Core samples revealed a sediment layer of approximately 75 meters (245 feet) above 44 meters (130 feet) of solid rock.

Researchers noted that the upper oceanic crust is primarily composed of basaltic lava, which has been forming on Earth for about 3.8 billion years. This basaltic lava, when erupted and solidified at mid-ocean ridges, provides significant energy for sustaining chemosynthetic life.

Analysis of the samples revealed a broad range of ages, with one core estimated to be 13.5 million years old and another 20 million years older. The oldest sample was determined to have formed 104 million years ago.

Section 2.1: The Significance of Clay

These fissures offer a hospitable environment for life. Suzuki remarked, “Clay minerals are like a magic material on Earth; if you can find clay minerals, you can almost always find microbes living in them.” Prior to analysis, the outer layers of each core were sterilized using artificial seawater and a rapid burn technique, similar to culinary flame-searing.

A decade ago, researchers would have physically altered core samples to extract bacteria, often yielding low microbial cell counts. Initial assessments showed fewer cells in deeper sediment layers.

Employing innovative techniques, Suzuki prepared thin slices of core samples, binding them with special epoxy. These samples were then treated with dye to stain DNA and examined through various microscopic methods.

This led to the discovery of aerobic bacteria appearing as green spheres within luminous orange tubes, indicating nutrient-rich environments ideal for microbial life.

The second video titled "Did Mars Perseverance find evidence of life on Mars? Let's talk about that rock" discusses current findings from the Perseverance rover and their implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.

The investigation revealed a variety of bacterial species unique to each sampling location, suggesting that the age of the rock samples influenced the diversity of species present.

Ultimately, this research indicates that microorganisms on Mars could potentially inhabit similar structures, providing a refuge for life amidst the challenges of the Martian environment.

James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, resides in Tucson with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max. Join us on The Cosmic Companion Network for podcasts, video series, newsletters, and more!