---
title: "First Detailed Evidence of  ‘Nanobacteria’ That is as Small as Life Can Get"
description: "Scientists have captured the first detailed microscopy images of ultra-small bacteria believed to be about as small as life can get."
date: "2015-03-11"
modified: "2015-03-11"
authors:
  - name: "Alex Klokus"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/alex-klokus"
url: "https://futurism.com/first-detailed-evidence-of-nanobacteria-that-is-as-small-as-life-can-get"
categories:
  - "Bacteria"
  - "Health & Medicine"
  - "Medical"
  - "Pathogens"
---

# First Detailed Evidence of  ‘Nanobacteria’ That is as Small as Life Can Get

![Default Futurism featured image](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Futurism-Filler-Image.jpg>)

- The existence of ultra-small bacteria (aka “nanobacteria” or “nannobacteria”) has been debated for two decades, but there hasn’t been a comprehensive electron microscopy and DNA-based description of the microbes until now.
- They are about 200 nanometers (.2 micrometers) in width with a volume of only about 0.009 cubic nanomicrons (millionth of a meter). About 150 of these bacteria could fit inside an Escherichia coli bacteria cell.
- The diverse bacteria were found in groundwater and are thought to be quite common. This is the smallest a cell can be and still accommodate enough material to sustain life, the researchers say.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexklokus>)