Ancient lifeforms may have existed in Namibia's desert

Strange tiny structures have been discovered in rocks in the deserts of southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Scientists believe these formations, called micro-burrows, were made by an unknown lifeform and not through geological processes. The micro-burrows are tube-like tunnels that are very small, measuring about half a millimeter wide and up to 3 centimeters long. Professor Cees Passchier first identified them about 15 years ago while working in Namibia. Similar structures were later found in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Further research revealed biological material within and around the micro-burrows. This suggests that microorganisms, known as endoliths, created the tunnels. Endoliths can live inside rocks and derive energy and nutrients from them. They are often found in extreme environments, like deserts and freezing regions. Inside the Namibian micro-burrows, researchers found calcium carbonate, which is the main component of marble. The team thinks the unknown microorganisms burrowed into the marble to access nutrients. Despite their findings, scientists do not know what type of organism made these structures. They could be bacteria, lichen, fungi, or something entirely new. Sadly, they could not extract any DNA or proteins, as the samples are likely up to two million years old. Researchers also mentioned that these structures were probably formed in a wetter climate, unlike the dry desert conditions present today. Understanding these microorganisms could affect our knowledge of the global carbon cycle, as they may play a role in how carbon is stored and released in ecosystems. The study highlighting these micro-burrows is published in the Geomicrobiology Journal. Professor Passchier emphasized the importance of these findings, saying that the scientific community needs to recognize this potentially significant form of life.