Ancient fungus 'revived' in lab
Found on BBC News on Monday, 18 October 2004
Fungus from a deep-sea sediment core that is hundreds of thousands of years old can grow when placed in culture, scientists have discovered.
Indian researchers say the fungi come from sediments that are between 180,000 and 430,000 years old.
At a depth of 160cm (corresponding to an age of 180,000 years ago) they found high densities of a type of spore-producing fungus known as Aspergillus sydowii.
Considerable densities of this fungus were also found at depths of 280-370cm, corresponding to an age between 180,000 and 430,000 years ago.
The oldest microorganisms found alive are thought to be bacteria isolated from 25-40-million-year-old bees trapped in amber.
One step closer to Jurassic Park. It is fascinating to see how long some lifeforms can survive. Almost immortal. Although I think that living in a bee in amber for 40 million years is pretty boring.