German scientists have recently discovered microorganisms deep under the sea that may help fight global warming. During their two-year research, scientists from Germany-based Hamburg University, the Alfred Wegener Institute and Max Planck Society researched on reef-forming microorganisms in the Black Sea at depths where no oxygen or light is present. They found that the microorganisms were able to process methane together with sulfates within the water, and produce carbonates as waste. Moreover, they did so without using oxygen.

The findings could prove useful for climate control. Previously, scientists had thought that methane could only be broken down with oxygen. The German researchers believe that the discovery could lead to a way of cutting down potentially harmful greenhouse gases without burning oxygen.