"Microbial Discoveries Redefine Life's Boundaries on Earth and Beyond"
New research led by Stanford University scientists has expanded the known limits for life on Earth and beyond by studying metabolic activity in extremely salty environments. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that life can persist in environments with lower water activity levels than previously thought possible. The findings have implications for understanding habitable spaces in our solar system and the impact of increasing salinity on Earth's ecosystems. The research also aims to improve the detection of biological activity, which could aid in the search for life beyond our planet.