New bacteria phylum dominates deep soil ecosystems

Scientists have discovered a new, abundant phylum of bacteria, CSP1-3, dominating deep soil ecosystems and potentially playing a key role in underground energy cycles. The newly identified bacteria were found in deep soil samples from the US and China, making up to 60% of microbial communities at certain depths, and are active, slowly growing organisms. They are adapted to the nutrient-poor environment. This phylum, first detected in 2006, likely survives by metabolizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Researchers aim to cultivate CSP1-3 in the lab to understand their functions better, as the vast majority of Earth's microbes remain unknown.