These organisms are 830 million-years-old and may still be alive

tumblr_inline_o2793bXIp61tzhl5u_400

5 Likes

These organisms are 830 million-years-old and may still be alive

Otherwise known as “Congress”.

3 Likes

I think they’re just computer-generated blobs

4 Likes

Nowhere do the scientists assert any kind of likelihood that they’re still alive.

You don’t need hyphens when “million years old” is not an adjectival phrase, i.e., “830-million-year-old organisms”. That said, maybe we shouldn’t be reviving ancient microbes? That have somehow found a way to survive inside salt?

not quite Schroedinger’s cat, but close.

How 'bout them Eers!

(WVU chant, for the non-initiated)

1 Like

Let’s hope 830 million year old organisms don’t develop a sudden craving for mammalian flesh.

1 Like

Nor should they. They do mention 200+ million year old organisms have been revived from a similar looking state. There are no cases of anything this old being revived, but there are no reasons why survival should stop at 200 million years. There may be trivial reasons why these particular organisms are no longer viable that have nothing to do with their great age. We cannot tell just by peering through the salt. The only real test is to try and revive them.

If people are nervous, we and they can doubtless wait a little longer. If we are going to try and bring them back, we want to give them their best chance.

3 Likes

il_794xN.903074773_d80n

1 Like

Weren’t the Mountains of Madness in Antarctica? The article snippet does not specify the origin of the crystals.

1 Like

Only in every other Blade Runner meme.

This topic was automatically closed after 5 days. New replies are no longer allowed.