Habitable Zones & Global Climate
The Implications of Clustered Star formation For (proto)planetary Systems and Habitability 
Star formation is spatially clustered across a range of environments, from dense stellar clusters to unbound associations. As a result, radiative or dynamical interactions with neighbouring stars disrupt (proto)planetary systems and limit their radii, leaving a lasting impact on their potential habitability.
Astrochemistry
Organics in the Solar System
Complex organics are now commonly found in meteorites, comets, asteroids, planetary satellites, and interplanetary dust particles. The chemical composition and possible origin of these organics are presented.
SETI
Interstellar Probes: The Benefits to Astronomy and Astrophysics
Long range observations in the field of astronomy have opened up our understanding of the Solar System, the Galaxy and the wider Universe. In this paper we discuss the idea of direct in-situ reconnaissance of nearby stellar systems, using robotic probes.
SETI
A Search for Technosignatures From TRAPPIST-1, LHS 1140, and 10 Planetary Systems in the Kepler Field
As part of our ongoing search for technosignatures, we collected over three terabytes of data in May 2017 with the L-band receiver (1.15-1.73 GHz) of the 100 m diameter Green Bank Telescope.
Genomics and Cell Biology
Bacteria on the International Space Station Are Adapting to Survive, Not to Harm
A new Northwestern University study has found that -- despite its seemingly harsh conditions -- the ISS is not causing bacteria to mutate into dangerous, antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
Climate Sensitivity to Ozone and its Relevance on the Habitability of Earth-like Planets
Atmospheric ozone plays an important role on the temperature structure of the atmosphere. However, it has not been included in previous studies on the effect of an increasing solar radiation on the Earth's climate.
Astrochemistry
First Detection of the pre-biotic Molecule Glycolonitrile (HOCH2CN) in the Interstellar Medium
Theories of a pre-RNA world suggest that glycolonitrile (HOCH2CN) is a key species in the process of ribonucleotide assembly, which is considered as a molecular precursor of nucleic acids.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
The Oxyometer: A Novel Instrument Concept for Characterizing Exoplanet Atmospheres
With TESS and ground-based surveys searching for rocky exoplanets around cooler, nearby stars, the number of Earth-sized exoplanets that are well-suited for atmospheric follow-up studies will increase significantly.
Panspermia
Planting Earth Life on Habitable but Sterile M-dwarf Oxygen Planets
Time is arguably the key limiting factor for interstellar exploration. At high speeds, flyby missions to nearby stars by laser propelled wafersats taking 50-100 years would be feasible.
SETI
First Comprehensive, Interactive Tool to Track SETI Searches
For the first time ever, scientists have developed a way for the SETI community to keep track of, and update, all SETI searches that have been conducted and the results.
Astrochemistry
Young Planets Orbiting Red Dwarfs May Lack Ingredients for Life
Rocky planets orbiting red dwarf stars may be bone dry and lifeless, according to a new study using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Water and organic compounds, essential for life as we know it, may get blown away before they can reach the surface of young planets.
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