Report on unknown microorganisms found in Baikal due in September

The finding is thought to be methane-consuming bacteria living in a previously unknown type of a colonial organism, but final conclusions are yet to be drawn. Scientists are now studying DNA samples they extracted from the bacteria.

Siberian scientist Mikhail Grachev, who heads the university which studies the bacteria, has earlier praised the finding as "the most important discovery" made by the Mir mini subs in the Baikal so far.

"We suspect it being a new, previously unknown form of life. It represents balls some 1-3 cm in diameter stuffed with defunct organic compounds. Most likely, these are previously unknown microbial colonies," he said.

The underwater expedition of Lake Baikal started in 2008. This summer, researchers searched for new species of flora and fauna, and dove down more than a mile (1.6 kilometers) to the deepest point of the lake, near Olkhon Island.

The total cost of the expedition is $8 million, with one dive worth 2 million rubles ($64,800). Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.