Scientists have discovered something that could put a question mark on everything we thought we knew about life on Earth. A research team led by Dr Ivan Zheludev from Stanford University has found evidence of what they call “alien life” living inside the human body. The research published in 2024 says that these strange organisms were found in the human gut, and they don’t resemble any known life forms on Earth.
What did scientists discover?
The researchers did an extensive examination of the human gut microbiome, which contains billions of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. The scientists did metatranscriptomic analysis on RNA sequences from human gastrointestinal samples.
What they discovered was exceptional: over 1,000 strange base pairs that were unlike anything seen previously in known biology. They named these new species “Obelisks,” and they were found in 10% of all microbiome samples tested.
These Obelisks are RNA-based life forms, and their genetic structure is unlike anything we’ve seen on Earth. Scientists assume that these organisms’ genomes are circular in shape with rod-like structures around them.
What’s even more intriguing is that the Obelisks produce a novel sort of protein called Oblins. But what exactly do these proteins perform in the body? That is an issue that scientists are still attempting to solve.
Where are these alien life forms found?
One of the most surprising aspects of this discovery is that Obelisks are not limited to just one part of the body. The team found that these strange life forms are present in various parts of the human microbiome, including the gut and oral microbiomes.
While Obelisks were found in only 7% of stool samples, up to 50% of oral samples contained them. This suggests that these organisms are quite widespread in our bodies and could be affecting our health in ways we don’t yet understand.
Some Obelisks were even found inside a common bacterial species called Streptococcus sanguinis, which is typically harmless but could play a role in this discovery. The Obelisks have been shown to persist in the body for over 300 days, raising the question of whether they are a permanent part of our microbiomes or if they come and go.
Could these Obelisks be alien life?
It is important to note that these organisms are not extraterrestrial in the traditional sense, despite the fact that the term “alien” may sound startling. Because of their different characteristics, they have been referred to as “alien” to Earthly life as we know it. They vary from other known microbes because of their RNA-based structure and ability to self-replicate.
Obelisk research could provide new information on the origins of life. These minuscule organisms could coexist with us for so long without our notice. Do they represent a gap in our understanding of the evolution of life, or are they a new type of life?
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