Microbes photosynthesize earthlight

The 20 June issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (affectionately known as PNAS) reports a remarkable discovery: a species of deep-sea photosynthetic bacteria has been found that makes its living from the dim red glow of hydrothermal seafloor springs. This is a deep-red light emitted by fluids at about 350 C, barely visible to dark-adapted eyes, but it's enough for this little anaerobic bug. It's the first photosynthetic organism that doesn't need the sun, and it means that life elsewhere in the universe could do the same. PNAS only lets you see the abstract unless you subscribe; if you don't, this release from Arizona State University will give you some detail. Science News also has a story.