Tag

Hydrothermalvents

All articles tagged with #hydrothermalvents

science13 days ago•5 min saved

Deep-Sea Archaea Survive Extreme Radiation: A Byproduct of Hydrothermal Vent Life

Scientists report Thermococcus gammatolerans, an archaeon living near Guaymas Basin vents, can endure gamma radiation up to 30,000 grays—far more than lethal human doses. Its radiation tolerance isn’t due to extra DNA repair genes but likely arises from the harsh vent environment, which reduces oxidative damage and enables rapid repair, suggesting the trait is a byproduct of hydrothermal-vent life rather than a specialized adaptation.

via ScienceAlert|

#dnarepair #extremophiles #hydrothermalvents

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Spider Crabs Swarm Ocean Floor in Captivating Footage

A team of marine scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too) is exploring the Chile margin, a region where tectonic plates meet, creating hydrothermal activity that supports diverse marine ecosystems. The expedition, which began on October 11 and continues until December 5, has captured stunning footage of the ocean floor teeming with life, including spider crabs, tubeworms, and a mother squid with her eggs. The researchers aim to discover new seeps and vents, particularly at the Chile Triple Junction, where unique geological conditions promise further marine life discoveries.

via ScienceAlert|

#biodiversity #hydrothermalvents #marinebiology

science-and-environment2 years ago•14 min saved

Unearthing the Secrets of Life's Beginnings Below the Surface

Scientists aboard the drillship JOIDES Resolution have retrieved mantle rocks from beneath the Atlantic seafloor, which may offer insights into the origins of life on Earth. These rocks, obtained from an area where Earth's crust is thin, could help researchers understand the chemical processes that may have led to the formation of organic compounds necessary for life. The presence of high concentrations of hydrogen gas in the borehole waters suggests the potential for abiotic synthesis of organic molecules. This research could illuminate the prebiotic chemistry that existed before life began and provide a better understanding of early Earth conditions.

via Quanta Magazine|

##abioticchemistry #deepoceandrilling