‘10,000 hidden entities’: Unknown life forms found thriving inside the human body
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Mystery Unveiled
Through advanced genetic analysis, unprecedented RNA-based entities named “obelisks” were discovered, challenging existing definitions of life and sparking scientific intrigue.
Nobel Insight
Nobel laureate Andrew Fire’s team at Stanford University uncovered obelisks while analyzing massive genetic datasets, identifying patterns that didn’t align with known organisms.
Unique Simplicity
Obelisks defy categorization—lacking the protein shells of viruses yet resembling viroids, these RNA loops represent a distinct and enigmatic form of life.
Human Habitat
Found in bacteria within the human body, obelisks inhabit regions like the mouth and gut, hinting at a specialized, yet unclear, role in the microbiome.
Expert Perspective
Mark Peifer of UNC described the discovery as revolutionary, stating, “The more we look, the crazier we see,” emphasizing obelisks’ paradigm-shifting nature.
Scientific Ambiguity
Neither virus, bacteria, nor classic viroid, obelisks blur boundaries in biology, suggesting previously unnoticed RNA-based life categories.
Detection Breakthrough
Simon Roux from the DOE Joint Genome Institute lauded cutting-edge genomic tools for exposing the hidden world of obelisks, unseen for decades.
Medical Implications
Researchers speculate that obelisks may influence bacterial behavior, potentially affecting digestion, immunity, and overall human health.
Evolutionary Clues
Obelisks could represent ancient evolutionary pathways, bridging simple RNA molecules and more complex life forms, reigniting debates on life’s origins.
Frontier Awaits
With obelisks only the start, ongoing research promises more revelations, expanding the boundaries of microbial science and evolutionary understanding.