Organisms that thrive in extremes of temperatures and acidity are the interest
of biologist Jonathan Trent. These organisms, called thermophilic (heat-loving)
archea, look like bacteria but are not. They live in volcanic hot springs and
certain areas within the Earth's crust, where conditions are reminiscent of
the primitive Earth. In fact, it is believed that these organisms are similar
to some of the earliest life on this planet. The proteins inside thermophilic
archea have adapted to the harsh environment they call home. Argonne scientists
are studying these proteins to discover new industrial and biotechnological
processes and to identify uses in forensic medicine and cancer therapies.
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