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Earthbound bacteria could have link to life on Mars
An expanded Web version of segments seen on CNN
In this story:
March 12, 1997
Web posted at: 3:30 p.m. ESTFrom Correspondent Dick Wilson
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee (CNN) -- A type of bacteria found on Earth produces magnetic material that could help determine if there was ever life on Mars.
Last year, scientists studying a meteorite that fell to Earth from Mars said the rock contained organic matter that could be evidence of primitive life on Mars billions of years ago. Among the items was magnetite, a mineral composed solely of iron and oxygen.
The Martian magnetite appears "similar to magnetite produced from bacteria on the Earth," said scientist Kathy Thomas-Keptra.
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She and other researchers at Tennessee's Oak Ridge National Laboratory hope to learn if there's a link between the two. The answer could lead to a clearer idea of what microbes might have lived below the Martian surface long ago.
Bacteria found through oil drilling
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Vivo movieEarthbound bacteria could have link to life on Mars
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Vivo's technical FAQ The Earth-bound bacteria were discovered in rock samples from deep oil exploration drills in Virginia and Colorado.
For their studies, Oak Ridge microbiologist Tommy Phelps and his research team have grown additional bacteria in a laboratory.
Looking at them under a microscope, "you can see little magnets being formed," said Phelps, who found that the bacteria thrive in high temperatures without oxygen and feed on glucose.
Demonstrating the bacteria's magnetic properties, Phelps placed an ordinary magnet next to a test tube filled with a liquid solution containing magnetite. Mineral particles are drawn toward the magnet.
This type of bacteria may have lived on Earth and other planets for millions of years, Phelps says -- information that could help scientists prove or disprove claims of life on Mars.
Practical applications
Oak Ridge also has practical applications in mind for the exotic microbes. They can be used to separate and condense toxic materials and heavy metals from ground water.
By "immobilizing uranium," Phelps says, the bacteria could also help clean up radioactive contamination.
Other potential uses include the making of magnetic fluids for brakes and lubricants for turbines.
Check out what's coming up
on next week's Tomorrow/Today
Special sections:
CNN Interactive's extended coverageRelated stories:
- New studies cast doubt on Martian life theory - December 22, 1996
- NASA hopes third time's the charm for Mars probe launch - December 3, 1996
- Mars probe falls back to Earth - November 18, 1996
- Surveyor soars toward red planet - November 7, 1996
- British present new evidence of life on Mars - November 1, 1996
Related sites:
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- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (home page)
- Bacteria produce magnetic material - This September 17, 1996 press release from Oak Ridge explains the research being conducted by the laboratory's Environmental Sciences Division. It includes high-magnification pictures of the bacteria.
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