Cave research, Mexico. Researcher exploring Cueva de Villa Luz (Cave of the Lighted House) in southern Mexico. The waters in the cave are rich in the

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Cave research, Mexico. Researcher exploring Cueva de Villa Luz (Cave of the Lighted House) in southern Mexico. The waters in the cave are rich in the poisonous gas hydrogen sulphide, requiring explorers to wear gas masks. The hydrogen sulphide also forms the basis of a chemical food chain, rather than one based on sunlight. The bacteria present on the wall of the cave form a thick acidic biofilm, which is being analysed here.

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Photo credit: © VINCENT AMOUROUX, MONA LISA PRODUCTION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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