Microbes Survive in Simulated Enceladus Ocean

In lab experiments mimicking the conditions of Enceladus' subsurface ocean, Earth's methanogen Methanothermococcus okinawensis grew by producing methane from hydrogen generated by water-rock reactions. The result does not prove life exists on Saturn's moon, but strengthens the case that its ocean could support it. The studies were published in Science Advances.

• Methanogen from hydrothermal vents grew in alkaline water with salts and carbonates
• The microbe adapted its metabolism to low CO2 levels in the alien environment
• Second study: Enceladus plumes freeze and separate compounds into ice particles
• Cassini's 2015 plume samples contained salts and organic compounds