The scientists conducted metatranscriptomic analysis on RNA sequences from human gastrointestinal samples. What they discovered was extraordinary: more than 1,000 strange base pairs that were unlike anything previously seen 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 different from anything we have seen on Earth. Scientists believe that the genomes of these organisms are circular and have rod-like structures around them. Even more interestingly, obelisks make a new type of protein called obelins. But what do these proteins actually do in the body? This is an issue that scientists are still trying to resolve.
The most surprising aspect of this discovery is that obelisks are not limited to just one part of the body. The team found that these peculiar life forms are present in different parts of the human microbiome, including the gut and oral microbiomes. While obelisks were found in only 7% of stool samples, they were found in up to 50% of oral samples. This suggests that these organisms are widespread in our bodies and may affect our health in ways we do not yet understand. Some obelisks were also found to contain a common bacterial species called Streptococcus sanguinis, which is usually harmless but may play a role in the discovery. 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 microbiome or whether they come and go.
It is important to note that these creatures are not extraterrestrials in the traditional sense, despite the fact that the word “alien” may sound shocking. Because of their different characteristics, they have been referred to as “aliens” to Earth's life as we know it. They differ from other known microorganisms because of their RNA-based structure and ability to self-replicate. Obelisk research could provide new information about the origins of life. These tiny creatures can co-exist with us for so long without our knowledge. 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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