The ability of microorganisms to withstand long periods with extremely low energy input has
gained increasing scientific attention in recent years. Starvation experiments in the …

Global microbial cell numbers in the seabed exceed those in the overlying water column, yet
these organisms receive less than 1% of the energy fixed as organic matter in the ocean …

To better understand the origin, evolution, and extent of life, we seek to determine the
minimum flux of energy needed for organisms to remain viable. Despite the difficulties …

Enzymes catalysing the stereo‐chemical inter‐conversion of amino acids are known as
amino acid racemases. In bacteria, these enzymes are fundamental to synthesize the D‐A la …

The study of active microbial populations in deep, energy-limited marine sediments has
extended our knowledge of the limits of life on Earth. Typically, microbial activity in the deep …

The in situ production of necromass and its role as a power source in sustaining
heterotrophic microorganisms in marine sediments has never been quantified. Here we …

The prevalence of microbial life in permafrost up to several million years (Ma) old has been
well documented. However, the long-term survivability, evolution, and metabolic activity of …

To understand the genomic evolution and adaptation strategies of fungi to subseafloor
sedimentary environments, we de novo assembled the genome of Schizophyllum commune …

Serpentinitic systems are potential habitats for microbial life due to frequently high
concentrations of microbial energy substrates, such as hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and …

The discovery that most of the prokaryotic diversity and biomass on Earth resides in the
deep subsurface, calls for an improved definition of habitability, which should consider the …