China reveals groundbreaking insights into Earth's most profound ecosystem
China reveals groundbreaking discoveries about the planet's deepest ecosystem.
TroibNews 
In a significant development, researchers from China have created the first comprehensive map of the ecosystem within the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans, challenging the established belief that such extreme environments are devoid of life.
Published in the journal Cell on Friday, this study uncovers a vibrant community of microbes and animals that have adapted to the trench’s extreme conditions—intense pressure, near-freezing temperatures, and constant darkness. The findings could lead to important advancements in biotechnology and environmental science.
The research utilizes samples obtained from China’s manned submersible Fendouzhe, which reached the trench's staggering depth of 11,000 meters in 2020. Scientists analyzed over 1,600 microbial samples along with 11 fish species.
Wang Jing, a researcher from Shanghai Jiao Tong University involved in the study, informed China Media Group, "We have identified 7,564 microbial species . . . with 89.4 percent previously unknown to science." This remarkable diversity is comparable to the total documented marine microbial life across the globe.
The study emphasizes the unique survival adaptations of the residents of the trench.
The research revealed that microbes and fish possess similar antioxidant mechanisms to mitigate cellular damage from extreme pressure, a discovery that could lead to novel strategies in aging research and medical treatments.
"Antioxidants, like vitamin C or those in skincare products, protect cells," Wang explained. "These organisms' strategies might offer clues to enhancing human health."
Additionally, specific microorganisms were found to have impressive capabilities in breaking down complex pollutants like benzene compounds, which could pave the way for innovative environmental cleanup solutions.
Genomic analysis of deep-sea fish indicated further adaptations, including increased levels of certain fatty acids that help maintain cell membrane stability under high pressure. Notably, the amphipod, a shrimp-like invertebrate, was discovered to have genomes that are four times larger than those of humans, suggesting a genetic complexity that aids survival in extreme environments.
To promote global collaboration, the research team has created the world’s first large-scale hadal microbial database, which shares its findings under the Mariana Consensus framework.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
Published in the journal Cell on Friday, this study uncovers a vibrant community of microbes and animals that have adapted to the trench’s extreme conditions—intense pressure, near-freezing temperatures, and constant darkness. The findings could lead to important advancements in biotechnology and environmental science.
The research utilizes samples obtained from China’s manned submersible Fendouzhe, which reached the trench's staggering depth of 11,000 meters in 2020. Scientists analyzed over 1,600 microbial samples along with 11 fish species.
Wang Jing, a researcher from Shanghai Jiao Tong University involved in the study, informed China Media Group, "We have identified 7,564 microbial species . . . with 89.4 percent previously unknown to science." This remarkable diversity is comparable to the total documented marine microbial life across the globe.
The study emphasizes the unique survival adaptations of the residents of the trench.
The research revealed that microbes and fish possess similar antioxidant mechanisms to mitigate cellular damage from extreme pressure, a discovery that could lead to novel strategies in aging research and medical treatments.
"Antioxidants, like vitamin C or those in skincare products, protect cells," Wang explained. "These organisms' strategies might offer clues to enhancing human health."
Additionally, specific microorganisms were found to have impressive capabilities in breaking down complex pollutants like benzene compounds, which could pave the way for innovative environmental cleanup solutions.
Genomic analysis of deep-sea fish indicated further adaptations, including increased levels of certain fatty acids that help maintain cell membrane stability under high pressure. Notably, the amphipod, a shrimp-like invertebrate, was discovered to have genomes that are four times larger than those of humans, suggesting a genetic complexity that aids survival in extreme environments.
To promote global collaboration, the research team has created the world’s first large-scale hadal microbial database, which shares its findings under the Mariana Consensus framework.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
