AI helped scientists trace bacterial evolution on Earth

Scientists employed artificial intelligence to trace the evolution of bacteria, which has been difficult due to a lack of fossil evidence. The AI model analyzed DNA sequences to determine when evolutionary events occurred. The research discovered that certain bacteria developed the ability to use oxygen much earlier than previously believed. This predates the Great Oxidation Event, which was the period when the Earth's atmosphere became oxygen-rich. The study also revealed that some bacteria possessed the capability to utilize oxygen before the emergence of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. This approach offers a more refined timeline of bacterial evolution by integrating diverse scientific fields.