Microbes put ancient carbon on the menu

Scientists have found microorganisms within Kentucky shale that are eating the ancient carbon locked within the rock. This previously unrecognized dietary habit could have a prevalent role in the weathering and erosion of similar sedimentary rock at many other locations, say the researchers.

Ultraviolet light reveals kerogen-munching microbes (blue) surrounding fragments of organic material (orange) in this sample of New Albany shale.