Scientists Discover Mysterious RNA-Based 'Alien' Life Forms in the Human Body

In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of life, a team of researchers from Stanford University has identified mysterious organisms within the human body that defy the principles of biology as we know them. Led by Dr. Ivan Zheludev, the groundbreaking study published in 2024 unveils these entities, named “Obelisks,” as unique RNA-based life forms found in the human microbiome.

What Are Obelisks?

Obelisks are extraordinary organisms with circular genomes and rod-like structures, distinguishing them from any known life forms on Earth. Detected through advanced metatranscriptomic analysis of RNA sequences in human gut and oral samples, these organisms showcase over 1,000 previously unidentified base pairs. Unlike DNA-based organisms that dominate Earth, Obelisks are composed entirely of RNA, producing a novel protein termed "Oblins." While the precise function of Oblins is still unknown, their existence hints at untapped biological mechanisms and potential roles in human health.

Where Are Obelisks Found?

Obelisks have been detected in various regions of the human microbiome, primarily within the gut and oral environments. Surprisingly, they appear in 50% of oral samples, compared to only 7% of stool samples, suggesting that they may thrive in moist, oxygen-rich environments. Some Obelisks have even been discovered residing within Streptococcus sanguinis, a commonly occurring but typically benign bacterial species. Intriguingly, these organisms exhibit remarkable longevity, persisting in the body for over 300 days.

Why Are They “Alien”?

The term “alien” here doesn’t imply extraterrestrial origins but instead refers to how profoundly different Obelisks are from Earth’s conventional life forms. Unlike DNA-based organisms, they lack typical genetic structures and exhibit self-replicating behavior unique to RNA-based systems. This challenges existing theories about the boundaries of life, hinting at the possibility of a parallel evolutionary path that has gone unnoticed until now.

Implications for Science and Humanity

The discovery of Obelisks raises profound questions: Have these organisms been silently coexisting with humans for millennia, or are they a newly emerged phenomenon? Could they hold clues about the origins of life on Earth, or even the potential for RNA-based life forms elsewhere in the universe? Beyond these philosophical queries, researchers are exploring the practical implications. If Oblins—the proteins produced by Obelisks—play a role in human health, they could open new avenues in medicine and biotechnology.

A New Frontier in Biology

The identification of Obelisks marks the beginning of a new frontier in biology, challenging our understanding of what constitutes life. As researchers dive deeper into these enigmatic organisms, they may uncover secrets that redefine evolution, genetics, and our relationship with the microbial world.

This discovery is not just a scientific milestone; it is a reminder of the vast unknowns within our own bodies, proving that even in the 21st century, Earth still holds mysteries as profound as the cosmos.