Reviving Extinct Molecules: Scientists Uncover Ancient Genes in Modern Bacteria
This week, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery - molecules that have been extinct for millions of years have been found in modern bacteria! These molecules, known as ‘archaeal lipids’, are believed to have been around since the origin of life on Earth. They were thought to have disappeared from the environment, but researchers have now determined that they are being produced by certain types of bacteria living in the ocean. This is the first time that such ancient molecules have been found in modern organisms, and it could have implications for our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.
source: Phys.org