Most Life on Earth Is Dormant Right Now
This article was originally published by Quanta Magazine.
Researchers recently reported the discovery of a natural protein, named Balon, that can bring a cell’s production of new proteins to a screeching halt. Balon was found in bacteria that hibernate in Arctic permafrost, but it also seems to be made by many other organisms and may be an overlooked mechanism for dormancy throughout the tree of life.
For most life forms, the ability to shut oneself off is essential to staying alive.