Microbial Pioneers of Lava

Microbes colonize volcanic lava within hours of it cooling, not years like scientists once believed.

Researchers in Iceland discovered that bacteria and archaea establish themselves on fresh lava flows almost

immediately. These pioneer organisms don't wait for soil. They extract nutrients

directly from volcanic minerals like iron. The plastisphere, biofilms on ocean microplastics,

work similarly, creating ecosystems on surfaces we assumed were too hostile. Life doesn't need

perfect conditions to thrive. It adapts faster than we can measure,

even in extremes.