There's Life Inside Earth's Crust

Microbiologists have discovered "intraterrestrials," microscopic organisms living deep below Earth's surface. These microbes survive without sunlight or oxygen, using various elements for energy and living for hundreds of thousands of years. Intraterrestrials regulate Earth's oxygen levels, recycle nutrients, and detoxify pollution. Their impact on climate change and potential for carbon capture are being studied. However, deep-sea mining threatens these unique ecosystems before they can be fully understood and utilized for scientific and environmental benefits.