# Ancient 'Living Fossils' May Illuminate the Origins of Complex Life Stromatolites could hold clues to how complex life first emerged on Earth. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-09-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4ed46c60-3685-4533-a91a-25c0b20c5619 ## The Secret of Living Fossils Stromatolites and microbial mats are ancient microbial communities that contributed to oxygen production billions of years ago. A team led by Professor Brendan Burns from UNSW Sydney discovered a newly identified microbe within these structures that may hold clues to the origins of complex life. The research could help us understand how simple cells cooperated to evolve into complex life forms. ## The Role of Asgard Archaea Researchers isolated a group of microbes called Asgard archaea from samples collected in Shark Bay. These microorganisms are believed to be closely related to the ancestors of eukaryotes (plant, animal, and human cells). The discovery provides the first visual evidence of physical interaction between an archaeon and a bacterium, potentially shedding light on the origin of mitochondria. ## Nanotube Connections High-resolution images obtained using electron cryotomography revealed that the archaeon and bacterium are connected by thin tube-like structures called nanotubes. The two microorganisms exhibit chemical symbiosis, exchanging compounds like vitamins and nutrients. This finding offers important insights into early cellular cooperation. ## Laboratory Challenges Cultivating Asgard archaea in the laboratory proved to be a significant challenge for researchers. After four to five years of effort, it became clear that these microorganisms could not be grown in pure culture. Professor Burns notes that this suggests archaea depend on other organisms to survive, providing clues about the nature of early evolutionary relationships. ## Deep Learning Analysis Researchers used deep learning techniques to predict protein structures in these microorganisms. This method allowed them to observe ancient versions of cellular machinery that later became central to complex life. Associate Professor Debnath Ghosal from the University of Melbourne emphasized that this discovery is a significant step in understanding eukaryotic evolution. ## Microbial Partnerships In harsh environments like microbial mats, close cooperation between organisms can provide a survival advantage. Associate Professor Iain Duggin from the University of Technology Sydney notes that such partnerships may have persisted for millions of years, eventually contributing to the emergence of complex life, including humans. This process has been likened to a slow rise from the seafloor. ## Cultural and Scientific Convergence The newly discovered archaeon has been named 'Nerearchaeum marumarumayae,' combining a reference to the Greek sea god Nereus with the Malgana word for 'ancient home.' The naming process involved collaboration with Malgana language expert Kymberly Oakley and elders from the Malgana community. Shark Bay has a 30,000-year Indigenous history, and the Malgana people continue to protect this region. ## A Piece of the Evolutionary Puzzle This research sheds light on one of life's greatest mysteries: how simple cells transformed into complex organisms. Stromatolites may not only be the cradle of early microbial life but also hold clues to how this transition occurred. The findings deepen our understanding of life's origins and open new avenues for future research. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260902234514.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._