Editing Endolith (section)

==Geological evidence==
In 2025, researchers from [[Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz]] reported unusual micro-burrows discovered in [[marble]] and [[limestone]] formations across desert regions of [[Namibia]], [[Oman]], and [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{Cite journal | last1=Passchier | first1=C.W. | last2=Wassenaar | first2=T.M. | last3=Groschopf | first3=N. | last4=Jantschke | first4=A. | last5=Mertz-Kraus | first5=R. | title=Subfossil Fracture-Related Euendolithic Micro-burrows in Marble and Limestone | journal=Geomicrobiology Journal | year=27 February 2025 | doi=10.1080/01490451.2025.2467417 | doi-access=free }}</ref> These micro-tunnels, roughly half a millimeter wide and up to three centimeters long, were aligned vertically in parallel bands and filled with [[calcium carbonate]] powder. Traces of biological material suggest these features were formed by a previously unknown endolithic microorganism capable of penetrating deep into rock, likely to access nutrients. While no DNA was recovered, the structures are estimated to be between one and two million years old and represent possible subfossil evidence of microbial life.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://press.uni-mainz.de/unknown-microorganisms-used-marble-and-limestone-as-a-habitat/ |title=Unknown microorganisms used marble and limestone as a habitat |publisher=Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz |date=19 March 2025 }}</ref>