Hydrothermal Vents: Searching for Life at the Bottom of the Sea

Technological advances are shedding light on the world of the deep ocean. One focus of interest is hydrothermal vents that spew out super heated water from the ocean floor. These vents are home to many fantastic creatures that feed on poisonous chemical compounds like hydrogen sulfide and methane. Recent studies even suggest that life on earth may have started around hydrothermal vents. Japan's most advanced submersible performed the world's first major survey to investigate this hypothesis. Did it find clues about the birth of life? Tune in to find out all the details!