This undated handout picture released by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on January 20, 2026, shows a polymetallic nodule at Scotland House London in London. A team of scientists announced on January 20, 2026 they have developed new deep-sea landers specifically to test their contentious discovery that metallic rocks at the bottom of the ocean are producing "dark oxygen". If a previously unknown source of oxygen has always been lurking in Earth's depths, it would represent a remarkable revelation that would call into question long-held assumptions about the origins of life on our planet. (Photo by Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) / AFP via Getty Images) / - NO Editorial use - NO Marketing campaign / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS