Scientists from several US institutions have discovered a host of previously unknown microbes that live in geothermal caves, lava tubes and volcanic vents in Hawaii.. According to Science Alert, these deposits formed 65-800 years ago and receive little to no sunlight..

In addition, poisonous gases may be present here.. However, the presence of microbial mats is a common feature of all Hawaiian lava caves..

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Researchers sampled mats in 2006-2009 and then again in 2017-2019. Their analysis revealed many more unique life forms than expected.. When researchers sequenced 70 samples for a single RNA gene, commonly used to determine microbial diversity and abundance, they were unable to match any results to known genera or species, at least not with a high degree of certainty.. According to the researchers, this indicates that these caves are a little-studied and diverse ecosystems..

In recent years, underground microbes have attracted more and more attention as they live in Martian-like environments.. But, according to the latest estimates, we still do not know 99.9% of microbes, which is why they are sometimes also called "

A new study in Hawaii reveals how much we still have to learn. At the same time, the diversity of microbes in different layers was not the same.. Those between 500 and 800 years old had more microbes than geothermal sites or those less than 400 years old..

Although the older sites were more diverse, the younger ones had more complex interactions.. This was probably due to the less variety. Microorganisms needed to work together to survive.

Scientists also suggest that microbes take time to colonize volcanic basalts.. As the environment changes, so does the structure of their community.. In younger lava deposits, microbes were more distantly related. This suggests that in harsher conditions, competition was stronger, which reduced the likelihood of cohabitation of closely related species..

Several classes of bacteria, such as Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, existed in almost all places, regardless of age.. Scientists call them 'hub' bacteria because they combine other microbes.. It is likely that Chloroflexi can act as carbon sources in the ecosystem, using light energy in relatively dark conditions..

However, this is just speculation for now.. Scientists have sequenced only one gene, which means they cannot say what the role of a particular microbe in the community is.

Earlier, scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences said that the melting of the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau could lead to the release of new types of bacteria.. They managed to find here 1000 species of microorganisms, hundreds of which are still unknown to science..