Investigating the Remains of Protosterol Biota: Could They Be the First Predators on Earth?

Medicine & Technology Jun 10, 2023

Traces of fossil molecules were found in ancient rocks which reveal an ecosystem of early life forms that could have thrived in the Earth for almost a billion years. Find out more about it in this article.

1.6 Billion-Year-Old Rock Reveals Primordial Steroids That Shed Light on Enigmatic Evolution of Single-Celled Organisms

Jun 08, 2023

An ancient rock yielded steroid compounds from 1.6 billion years ago, unlocking the evolution of eukaryotes and challenging the fossil record. Read the article to learn more.

Complex Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Food Webs Discovered and Quantified

Jul 17, 2021

Researchers discovered that despite the harsh deep-sea conditions, a complex food web of eukaryotes thrive and consume carbon which aids in its recycling.

Displaying Intelligence, Single-Cell Slime Mold Can Remember Food Locations

Feb 24, 2021

Researchers have discovered the basis for developing memories in what's identified as Physarum polycephalum slime mold, despite the absence of its nervous system.

Ancient Gene Family Allows Algae to Synthesize Antifreeze

Aug 20, 2020

Researchers have demonstrated two species of single-celled green algae that can synthesize is its antifreeze thanks to an ancient gene family.

From Single Cells to Us—The Tale Of Evolution As It's Told At Deep-Sea Vents

May 07, 2015

In the search for the origins of life, scientists have found a striking new link between lone cells and complex creatures like humans. The connection comes from observing life under the harsh conditions that exist near volcanoes more than a mile below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

How A Parasite Became a Power House—The Tale of Mitochondria

Oct 17, 2014

Through the use of simple components, sugar, oxygen and transfer molecules, the mitochondria are able to create and store energy through the simple movement of electrons from one bond to another. And in spite of conflicting theories describing their possible origins, a new study at the University of Virginia is proving that the energy creators weren’t always self-sustaining components.