These bizarre, much-coveted microbes are revealing the origins of complex life

TL;DR - Researchers are racing to culture unusual microbes that could illuminate how complex life originated. The provided excerpt says these organisms are yielding surprises but does not specify particular findings.

• The work focuses on growing exotic, highly sought-after microorganisms in laboratory cultures.
• Studying these microbes could clarify evolutionary steps leading to complex life.
• Nature characterizes the research as an active, competitive effort involving a growing variety of organisms.
• No specific organisms, methods or experimental results are described in the provided content.