Other scientists have made similar discoveries over the last 40 years. One breakthrough discovery, made in 1995 by Raul Cano of California Polytechnic State University, was the succesful culturing of bacteria taken from a bee preserved in amber 25 to 40 million years ago. Many scientists are skeptical of such discoveries, calling them the result of modern contamination. However, acceptance has grown recently since the isolation of organisms that live under conditions of massive radiation, extreme temperatures, and lack of water or light. More than a quarter of coral reefs have already been destroyed by pollution, global warming, and overharvesting of marine resources.
Coral reefs are crucial to most marine ecosystems.
Their destruction threatens thousands of marine species with extinction. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and New York's American Museum of Natural History have reached an agreement to share custody of the 16-ton Williamette meteorite that is currently the star exhibit at the museum's new Rose Center for Earth and Space. The meteorite, which fell to earth some 10,000 years ago, played an important role in the Clackamas Tribe's spiritual beliefs. Water from the deep hollows in the massive rock's surface was used as medicine and in blessing rituals. Tribal youth held vigils by the meteorite, known as Tomamoas, as part of their passage to adulthood.