Did you know that the deepest part of the ocean is like an unexplored alien world? 🌊👽 Well, scientists from China have just taken a deep dive into the Mariana Trench, and what they found is truly amazing!
Journey to the Bottom of the Sea
The Mariana Trench is the deepest place on Earth, reaching about 11,000 meters (that’s 11 kilometers!) below the ocean’s surface. Imagine stacking over 29 Eiffel Towers on top of each other—that’s how deep it is! 🗼🗼🗼
Using a special submarine called Fendouzhe, which means “Striver,” Chinese scientists bravely went down into this dark and mysterious place in 2020. They collected samples from the depths that no one had explored before.
Surprising Discoveries
You might think that nothing could live down there in the cold, dark, and super high-pressure environment. But guess what? The scientists found thousands of tiny life forms! 🦠🐟
They discovered 7,564 types of microbes, and nearly 90% of them were completely new to science! That’s like finding a treasure chest full of new Pokémon we didn’t know existed! 🎮✨
Superpowered Survival Skills
These deep-sea creatures have amazing abilities to survive in such harsh conditions. Both the tiny microbes and the fish down there have special ways to protect their cells from the intense pressure. They use antioxidants, which are like shields that keep their bodies safe. 🛡️
Antioxidants are also found in fruits like blueberries and strawberries that help keep us healthy! Maybe these deep-sea secrets could help scientists develop new medicines or skin care products someday. 🫐🍓
Helping the Environment
Some of the microbes can even eat harmful pollutants like benzene, a chemical that can be bad for the environment. This means they might help us clean up pollution in the oceans! 🌍💚
Sharing the Knowledge
To help other scientists learn more, the Chinese team created the world’s first big database of deep-sea microbes. They are sharing their discoveries so we can all understand our planet better. 📚🌐
The Adventure Continues
This incredible journey shows that even in the deepest, darkest places, life finds a way. Who knows what other mysteries are waiting to be discovered deep under the sea? Maybe one day, you could be the scientist who finds them! 🧪🔬
Reference(s):
China unveils groundbreaking insights into Earth's deepest ecosystem
cgtn.com
