Russia's Vostok Station, shown in this image from the 2000-2001 field season, is the center of activity for studies of Lake Vostok, a subglacial body of water in Antarctica. Lake Vostok, Antarctica's biggest and deepest subsurface lake, might contain thousands of different kinds of tiny organisms — and perhaps bigger fish as well, researchers report. read more
It is hypothesized that unusual forms of life could be found in the lake's liquid layer, a fossil water reserve. Lake Vostok contains an environment sealed off below the ice for millions of years, in conditions which could resemble those of the ice-covered ocean of Jupiter's moon Europa, and Saturn's moon Enceladus. read more
After much controversy and an array of scientific challenges, researchers are finally ready to confirm that life in Lake Vostok in Antarctica, which has been sealed up by four kilometers (2.5 miles) of ice for millions of years, doesn’t just exist — it thrives. read more