Scientists Reveal Secret Behind Humans’ Microbial Ancestors’ Hydrogen Production

An international team of scientists has transformed our understanding of archaea, ancient microbial ancestors of humans dating back two billion years, by demonstrating their utilization of hydrogen gas.

The findings, published in Cell, reveal how these microorganisms generate energy by consuming and producing hydrogen. This straightforward yet reliable method has enabled them to survive and prosper in some of Earth’s most extreme environments for billions of years.

The paper, led by Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute scientists, including Professor Chris Greening, Professor Jill Banfield, and Dr Bob Leung, rewrites the textbook on basic biology.