Scheme for Redox Chemistry through a mechanical process on the rocky planets. (A) The formation of the residence environment in all levels is re -worked through various geological processes such as layer malfunction, plate tricktonics and mantle plus as silicate crusts. (B) Microbes use the energy and electrons for cell growth and distribution in the fracture system where Redox Milan is present. (c) Mineral water reaction converts mechanical energy into chemical energy and drive iron radox cycling in deep biopsy. Credit: Dr. Woo Zhou
Chinese researchers have recently challenged this long -standing belief that “all my life depends on sunlight.” In a research published in Science developmentResearchers, identified how microbes in deep subtal areas can gain energy from the crystal error -driven chemical reactions, which offer critical insights in life below the ground level.
The research was led by Professor Hongpang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Professor Zhou Janki, both from the Guangzhou Institute of Geo Chemistry of CAS.
Due to the absence of sunlight and organic matter, it is considered to be unhealthy for long life, in recent years the deep sub -level has hosted a widely, very active bio -fierr with diverse microorganisms. These germ water – during the rock conversation, energizes the energy from the reaction. Hydrogen (H₂) acts as the main source of energy and oxidants are also essential for metabolic activities, but their origin was not well understood.
To cope with this mystery, the research team followed the crystal folling activities and discovered that the free radical water produced during the fracture of the rocks could produce hydrogen and oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂o₂). These substances manufacture a separate radioxilan within the fracture system, which can react further with the iron (FE) in groundwater and stones – ferric iron (per naked) oxidizing the ferric iron (fee) or ferric iron (ferrous), which is ferrhene, ferocucents.
In microbes rich fractures, earthquake -related error -driven hydrogen production was found 100,000 times more than other known routes, such as serpentinization and radiols. The team showed that the process effectively operates the Redox cycle of the iron, which in turn affects the geo chemical process of elements such as carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.
This study highlights the environmental diversity of energy sources and deep subscriptions. Professors and Zhou also noted that fracture systems on other planets like Earth could potentially provide living conditions for extra -life, which offer a new place to seek life out of Earth.
More information:
Xiao Woo Et El, Crystal Falling drives biological redox cycling at deep sub -levels, Science development (2025) DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx5372. www.sc org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx5372
Provided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Reference: Deep Life Survival Secret: Crystal Falling produces important sources of energy, the study shows (2025, 18 July) on July 18, 2025 https://phys.org/news/2025-07-07-iipe-life-survival-cret-crustal.html.
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