An article published in the journal “Nature Communications” reports the discovery of a diversity never encountered before in the microorganisms found in one of the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, in the USA. A team of researchers from Montana State University (MSU) used genomic tools to examine the microbial community in the source called Smoke Jumper 3 (SJ3), discovering both bacteria and Archaea that represent about half of the known branches of these domains of life. It’s an extraordinary discovery because understanding which geological and biological processes can lead to such diversity can provide new information on the reasons why certain life forms can emerge and thrive.