Scientists Discover Mysterious Microscopic Organism in the Human Gut — And It's Appears To Be An Entirely New Class of Life: A groundbreaking discovery in human microbiome research has revealed a previously unknown type of microscopic organism, dubbed “obelisks,” residing in the human gut. These minuscule entities are composed of rings of genetic material and have the unique ability to create proteins that scientists have named “oblins.” The obelisks rely on a microbial host cell, specifically Streptococcus sanguinis—a bacterium commonly found in dental plaque—to replicate. While much is still unknown about how obelisks interact with other organisms and where they might exist outside the gut, researchers believe this discovery could represent an entirely new class of life forms, raising questions about their potential roles in human health. The presence of these tiny organisms in our gut introduces intriguing possibilities for their impact on our health. If obelisks turn out to be parasitic, they might harm the beneficial bacteria essential for maintaining a balanced gut ecosystem, potentially contributing to disorders like diabetes or mood disturbances. However, if they play a symbiotic role, obelisks could add to the stability and diversity of the gut microbiome, presenting new therapeutic possibilities for supporting gut health. With further study, scientists hope to uncover whether obelisks are friends, foes, or neutral players in our complex microbiome. image credit: Hashem Al-ghaili/Facebook