Scientists have discovered a single-celled organism, Candidatus Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, with an exceptionally small genome that lacks essential metabolic functions, raising questions about what constitutes life. This organism relies entirely on a host for nutrients and challenges traditional definitions of cellular life. Its extreme genome reduction suggests a unique evolutionary path within microbial biodiversity.

Geneticists have discovered a previously unknown method of gene transfer among organisms, challenging traditional understanding of genetic inheritance. This phenomenon allows for horizontal gene transfer that can occur outside of direct parent-offspring relationships, suggesting a more complex web of genetic sharing among species than previously thought.