Is scientists' Antarctic find key to extraterrestrial life?

The discovery of microbes thriving in the salty, sub-zero conditions of an Antarctic lake could raise the prospects for life on the solar system's icy moons.

Researchers found a diverse community of bugs living in the lake's dark environment, at temperatures of -13C.

They say the lake's life forms have been sealed off from the outside world for some 2,800 years.

The Desert Research Institute's Alison Murray, who was one of the scientists in Antarctica, explained the significance of the findings.