Tag

Dismutation

All articles tagged with #dismutation

Unveiling the Mystery of Cellular 'Dark Oxygen' Production

Originally Published 2 years ago — by WIRED

Scientists have discovered abundant microbes in groundwater reservoirs beneath the fossil fuel fields of Alberta, Canada, that produce large amounts of oxygen even in the absence of light. These microbes generate and release "dark oxygen" in such quantities that it creates conditions favorable for oxygen-dependent life in the surrounding groundwater and strata. The finding challenges previous assumptions about subterranean ecosystems and fills a crucial gap in our understanding of the evolution of the vast subterranean biosphere. It also has implications for the search for life on other planets, as dismutation pathways could potentially enable microbial survival in environments without sunlight.

science science dismutation groundwater microbes oxygen science subterranean-biosphere

"Unveiling the Mystery of 'Dark Oxygen': Underground Cells Produce Oxygen in Absence of Light"

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Quanta Magazine

Researchers have discovered that underground microbes are capable of producing oxygen through a process called dismutation, challenging previous assumptions about the sources of dissolved oxygen in groundwater. By breaking down nitrites, these microbes generate oxygen that can leak out of their cells and benefit other oxygen-dependent organisms. This finding not only sheds light on the evolution of the subterranean biosphere but also has implications for understanding the potential for life in other environments, such as Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. The discovery highlights the need to reevaluate our understanding of life's requirements and the vastness of Earth's biosphere.

science science biosphere dismutation microbes oxygen science subsurface-ecosystems