Inspired by the close-proximity pair of planets in the Kepler-36 system, we consider two effects that may have important ramifications for the development of life in similar systems where a […]
November 2015
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Evolution of the Ribosome: Looking Back 3.8 billion Years
NASA-funded researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are tapping information found in the cells of all life on Earth, and using it to trace life’s evolution. They have learned […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Exploring the Inner Edge of the Habitable Zone with Fully Coupled Oceans
Rotation in planetary atmospheres plays an important role in regulating atmospheric and oceanic heat flow, cloud formation and precipitation. Using the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) three dimension General […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release
A Proposal for Climate Stability on H2-greenhouse Planets
A terrestrial planet in an orbit far outside of the standard habitable zone could maintain surface liquid water as a result of H2-H2 collision-induced absorption by a thick H2 atmosphere. […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Education and Outreach
Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology
The Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Astrobiology Program establishes a focus in the nation’s capital for the exploration of issues surrounding life’s future in the universe, for humans and […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release, Tardigrades
A Huge Chunk of a Tardigrade's Genome Comes From Foreign DNA
Tardigrades, nearly microscopic animals that can survive the harshest of environments, including outer space, hold the record for the animal that has the most foreign DNA Researchers from the University […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Icy Worlds, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Astrobiologist Dale Andersen’s Field Report 20 November 2015: Novolazarevskya Station, Antarctica
Novolazarevskya Station, Antarctica
Posted inBiophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release
New Model Derives Homochirality From Basic Life Requirements
Life is quirky. Although the molecules that make up all living things obey physical and chemical laws, they do so with a puzzling twist. How did the distinctive molecular features […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Radiation
Radiation Blasts Leave Most Earth-like Planet Uninhabitable
The most Earth-like planet could have been made uninhabitable by vast quantities of radiation, new research led by the University of Warwick research has found. The atmosphere of the planet, […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Water On – and In – Terrestrial Planets
Earth has a unique surface character among Solar System worlds. Not only does it harbor liquid water, but also large continents. An exoplanet with a similar appearance would remind us […]