Scientists Solve Mysteries Behind Earth's Strangest Places
What We’ve Discovered
Researchers have recently solved several geological and archaeological puzzles that have captivated scientists and travelers for generations. In Australia’s Lake Hillier, the vivid pink color that has puzzled visitors since 1802 comes from a specific bacteria called Salinibacter ruber, which produces a red pigment called bacterioruberin to protect itself from intense sunlight. The lake’s extreme salinity—nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean—creates the perfect environment for this remarkable microorganism to thrive.