Tokyo Tech scientists discover deep microbes' key contribution to Earth's carbon cycle

(Tokyo Institute of Technology) Hydrocarbons play key roles in atmospheric and biogeochemistry, the energy economy, and climate change. Most hydrocarbons form in anaerobic environments through high temperature or microbial decomposition of organic matter. Subsurface microorganisms can also 'eat' hydrocarbons, preventing them from reaching the atmosphere. Using a new technique, Tokyo Tech scientists show that biological hydrocarbon degradation gives a unique biological signature. These findings could help detect subsurface biology and understand the carbon cycle and its impact on climate.

from EurekAlert! - Technology, Engineering and Computer Science https://ift.tt/2IhEAvU