Scientists Discover Hidden World Beneath Our Feet

 Deep below the surface, in soils untouched by sunlight, thrives an entire new phylum of bacteria—CSP1-3—that dominates Earth’s "dark forest."

🔍 What Makes These Microbes Special?

✔ First found in Yellowstone (2006)—now detected worldwide
✔ Makes up 60% of deep soil life (17-22m underground)
✔ Survives on minimal nutrients—scavenging carbon & nitrogen
✔ Active, not dormant—slowly growing despite harsh conditions

⚡ How Do They Survive?

These bacteria metabolize carbon monoxide & hydrogen—key energy sources in nutrient-starved soils. Some may have evolved from aquatic ancestors, adapting genes to thrive underground.

Dr. James Tiedje (Michigan State Univ.):
"This isn’t dormant life—these microbes are working. They’ve evolved to clean up what trickles down from above."

🌱 Why It Matters

Deep soils (below 30cm) are scientifically overlooked, yet they host vast microbial diversity—possibly 90% of Earth’s unknown species. CSP1-3 could play a critical role in carbon and nutrient cycles, shaping our planet’s health.

Next step? Lab-grown CSP1-3 to unlock their secrets.

Reference:

Wenlu Feng, Xiaonan Wan, Yiran Zhang, and Xun Qian, (2025) Diversification, niche adaptation, and evolution of a candidate phylum thriving in the deep critical zone, 122(12), e2424463122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2424463122.