Scientists estimate that subterranean organisms constitute a massive amount of carbon, 245 to 385 times greater than that contained in all humans.

Water bears can reanimate after years of desiccation—and gel-forming proteins unique to the animals may explain how.

Growing evidence points to a once-habitable world—and recent findings suggest that life could exist on Mars today.

High levels of radiation, among other health risks, challenge the future colonization of the Red Planet.

Two previously overlooked archaeal strains fill an evolutionary gap for microbes.

Extremophiles can thrive on perchlorates and metabolize carbon monoxide, researchers report.

Deep-sea microbes possess hallmarks of eukaryotic cells, hinting at a common ancestor for archaea and eukaryotes.

A new American Museum of Natural History exhibit highlights the incredible range of conditions under which life on Earth survives. 

Microorganisms continually challenge our assumptions of what life can achieve.