US-India partnership to study ancient life forms in Himalayas

In a major scientific milestone, the Tethys Fossil Museum near Kasauli on Monday entered into an international research collaboration with the MASON Centre, South Dakota Mines (US), and Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, to carry out cutting-edge studies in paleobiology, geobiology and geothermal microbiology.

The visit of Prof Rajesh K Sani, Distinguished Professor and Director of the MASON Centre, South Dakota Mines (US) and Prof Sudhir Syal of JUIT, Solan, marked the beginning of this collaborative partnership.

During the visit, Dr Ritesh Arya, Founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum, showcased newly discovered fossils from Solan and Ladakh and outlined significant research opportunities emerging from Himalayan geological archives. The institutions held detailed discussions on collaborative projects, culminating in the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance scientific exploration and knowledge-sharing.

Key research areas under the MoU include joint studies on ancient paleo-thermophilic life forms that evolved under carbon dioxide-rich atmospheric conditions, offering crucial insights into early Earth environments and microbial evolution.

Another major research focus involves uranium enrichment in fossilised wood from Kasauli. Researchers will analyse exceptionally preserved Miocene fossil wood to understand uranium concentration mechanisms and reconstruct paleoenvironments.

The collaboration will also explore the possibility of retrieving ancient DNA from nearly 20-million-year-old plant fossils — an endeavour that could open new avenues in understanding the evolution of early flowering plants.

In addition, scientists will study modern extremophiles thriving in the high-altitude geothermal systems of Puga, Ladakh, considered natural analogues of early Earth microbial habitats.

The MoU establishes long-term academic cooperation among the Tethys Fossil Museum, South Dakota Mines and JUIT, focusing on shared scientific resources, joint publications, data exchange, and collaborative grant proposals. The agreement will remain valid for five years.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ritesh Arya said the partnership represents “a major step towards placing the Himalayas on the global scientific map by integrating fossil records, geothermal systems, microbial research, and understanding biogeological evolution”.

Prof Rajesh Sani echoed the sentiment, noting that the Himalayas offer “unique, naturally preserved archives that can redefine our understanding of life in extreme environments — past and present”.

Prof Sudhir Syal, Dean (Research & Internationalisation), JUIT Waknaghat, added: “This tripartite collaboration brings together complementary strengths. By combining paleontological expertise, advanced geomicrobiological capabilities and strong institutional support, we will be able to pursue high-impact research that enhances scientific understanding and benefits students and scholars across all three institutions.”

The visit concluded with detailed discussions on project execution, field expeditions, sampling strategies and plans for future international workshops.

Located in Dangyari near Kasauli, the Tethys Fossil Museum houses over 500 fossils collected by Dr Arya since 1987, showcasing the geological and paleontological evolution of the Himalayas.