Acidobacteria in Paleolithic painting caves

A groundbreaking study identifies Acidobacteria as the second most dominant bacterial group in Paleolithic cave paintings, including those in Altamira Cave, marking the first report of these deep-branching bacteria in subterranean environments. The research highlights the presence of complex and partly unknown microbial communities that could potentially impact the preservation of valuable cave art. Microbial activity may lead to pigment degradation, discoloration, biofilm formation, metal dissolution, and biomineralization—processes that pose significant threats to the integrity of these ancient paintings. The study underscores the need for further investigation into microbial communities in such environments to better understand their role in cultural heritage preservation.

Schabereiter-Gurtner, C., Piñar, G., Lubitz, W., Rölleke, S., & Saiz-Jimenez, C. (2017). Acidobacteria in Paleolithic painting caves. Molecular Biology and Cultural Heritage, 15–21. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203746578-2