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Scientists Seek 'Dark Oxygen' in Ocean Depths To Unlock Life's Secrets


Published on 2025-01-20 12:02:26 - MSN
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  • A breakthrough discovery of oxygen production in darkness could redefine life's origins on Earth and open new frontiers in space exploration.

Scientists are exploring the depths of the ocean to uncover the mysteries of "dark oxygen," a term used to describe oxygen that is not produced by photosynthesis but through other chemical processes in the deep sea. This research, led by experts like Dr. Clara Chan from the University of Delaware, focuses on understanding how life can exist in environments devoid of sunlight, where traditional photosynthesis is not possible. They are particularly interested in how microbes in these dark, oxygen-poor zones might produce oxygen through chemosynthesis, potentially revealing new insights into the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. The study of these deep-sea ecosystems could also have implications for biotechnology, offering new ways to harness microbial processes for human benefit.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/scientists-seek-dark-oxygen-in-ocean-depths-to-unlock-life-s-secrets/ar-AA1xwtZ8 ]
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