Could 34,000-Year-Old Organisms Be Revived?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential revival of 34,000-year-old organisms found within ancient salt crystals. Participants explore the implications of these findings, including the mechanisms of suspended animation and the longevity of certain life forms. The conversation touches on both theoretical and biological aspects of ancient life and its resilience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express amazement at the ability of organisms to slow their metabolic processes significantly over thousands of years while maintaining genetic material.
  • There is mention of a fungus in the inland northwest that has been reported to live for tens of thousands of years, although its age is noted to be between 2,000 to 8,500 years in some discussions.
  • Participants discuss the concept of suspended animation and its implications for the revival of ancient life forms, particularly in relation to the bacteria found in the salt crystals.
  • One participant humorously speculates about the origins of the bacteria, suggesting a light-hearted connection to the researcher’s nails.
  • Another participant notes the broader implications of these findings, suggesting they provide evidence that life can exist in a variety of extreme conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the age and nature of the organisms and fungi mentioned, as well as the implications of suspended life. There is no consensus on the specifics of the organisms or their revival.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and anecdotes, but there are limitations in the details provided about the organisms' biology and the conditions under which they were found. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the definitions of life and suspended animation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring topics in biology, extremophiles, ancient life forms, and the implications of suspended animation in organisms.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20110113/sc_livescience/34000yearoldorganismsfoundburiedalive"

It's a tale that has all the trappings of a cult 1960s sci-fi movie: Scientists bring back ancient salt crystals, dug up from deep below Death Valley for climate research. The sparkling crystals are carefully packed away until, years later, a young, unknown researcher takes a second look at the 34,000-year-old crystals and discovers, trapped inside, something strange. Something ... alive.

Couldn't find it on PF...just wanted to share!
 
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Living in cavities in salt crystals, no less!
 
I had discussed that with someone earlier today. Amazing that they could slow themselves down that much.
 
Evo said:
I had discussed that with someone earlier today. Amazing that they could slow themselves down that much.
And still manage to maintain their genetic material for all that time.
 
Well, there's a fungus that's been growing in the inland northwest for quite some time...

Tens of thousands of years, from what I recall of the news story that broke a couple years back.

I would really prefer not to sample that sort of truffle, though!
 
mugaliens said:
Well, there's a fungus that's been growing in the inland northwest for quite some time...

Tens of thousands of years, from what I recall of the news story that broke a couple years back.

I would really prefer not to sample that sort of truffle, though!
No, it's between 2,000 to 8,500 years old, still long living.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030327074535.htm

But that's actively growing this has gone into a form of suspended animation, it's slowed to an incredible point, yet able to be revived.
 
turbo-1 said:
Living in cavities in salt crystals, no less!
I know!
Evo said:
I had discussed that with someone earlier today. Amazing that they could slow themselves down that much.
It is amazing. I'm sure they ruled out the possibility that it could be from this guy's nails
lthumb.a585574bfb666248f20b83974b9a222a.jpe

:-p
mugaliens said:
Well, there's a fungus that's been growing in the inland northwest for quite some time...

Tens of thousands of years, from what I recall of the news story that broke a couple years back.

I would really prefer not to sample that sort of truffle, though!

Is that the really enormous one that is the largest living organism?
-----------------------------------
Edit: Nevermind, I just clicked the link Evo gave and saw that it is the same.
 
Evo said:
No, it's between 2,000 to 8,500 years old, still long living.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030327074535.htm

But that's actively growing this has gone into a form of suspended animation, it's slowed to an incredible point, yet able to be revived.

What? The fungus in the Northwest, or the bacteria in the salt?

If the bacteria in the salt, I'm starting to think about the possibilities of suspended life. Intriguing!
 
I try to stay away from the comments because they can be so idiotic to read. Great article, though. More proof that life can exist in so many different situations!
 

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