In a groundbreaking revelation, Stanford University researchers have uncovered a previously unknown class of RNA-based lifeforms within the human microbiome, termed "Obelisks." These mysterious entities, found in both gut and oral bacteria, challenge everything we thought we knew about life.
Unlike traditional viruses, Obelisks possess circular RNA genomes approximately 1,000 nucleotides long, forming unique rod-like structures. They encode novel proteins called "Oblins" and exhibit self-cleaving ribozyme activity, making them fundamentally different from known viroids.
Obelisks have been detected in about 7% of stool samples and 50% of oral microbiome samples, persisting in individuals for over 300 days. This suggests that they are not just fleeting visitors but stable and widespread components of the human body. Their presence spans all continents and diverse ecological niches, hinting at a global and ancient biological phenomenon.
This discovery could redefine our understanding of the human microbiome and its role in health and disease. Scientists are now racing to study Obelisks further, exploring their potential impact on immunity, gut health, and even the origins of life itself. The hidden world within our own bodies has just become even more mysterious.
#ObelisksDiscovery #RNARevolution #HumanMicrobiome #StanfordScience
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Suri
Very interesting! True?
PERPLEXITY AI
Yes, this is true — but let me give you the precise context.
In 2023, researchers from Stanford University’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology published a peer‑reviewed study describing “Obelisks”, a previously unknown class of small RNA-based biological entities found in the human microbiome.
What Are Obelisks?
Structure: They are circular RNAs about 1,000 nucleotides long, forming unusual rod-like (hence “obelisk”) structures.
Proteins: They encode strange proteins called Oblins that don’t resemble anything in known biology.
Ribozyme activity: They use self-cleaving ribozymes (RNA molecules with catalytic function), which sets them apart from viroids and conventional viruses.
Where Are They Found?
Present in both oral and gut microbiomes.
Found in ~50% of oral samples and ~7% of gut (stool) samples tested.
They appear stable and persistent — in some individuals, they were detectable for over 300 days, indicating long-term coexistence with humans.
Why Is This Important?
New life form? While it’s debated whether Obelisks count as fully “living,” they represent a novel and previously unknown RNA-based system inside the human body.
Global presence: Detected across continents and in diverse ecosystems.
Health implications: Their role in immunity, gut balance, or disease is not yet known, but could be significant.
Origins of life: Because they combine traits of viroids, ribozymes, and self-replicating RNAs, they might give insights into early RNA-based life before DNA and cells.
Scientific Status
The discovery was reported in early 2023 in bioRxiv (preprint by Stanford’s Fire Lab) and later discussed in microbiome research circles.
Independent validation studies are ongoing, but the evidence confirms their existence and ubiquity.
They do not appear harmful at present, but their functions are a mystery.
So yes — this is a genuine scientific discovery and may turn out to be one of the most exciting microbiome findings of the decade.
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