The uneven detection of prebiotic organic compounds in meteorites—where amino acids and nucleobases are commonly identified but sugars remain rare and poorly characterized—limits our understanding of extraterrestrial organic chemistry.
2026
Posted inAnalog Studies, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
A Whole-planet Model Of The Earth Without Life For Terrestrial Exoplanet Studies
As the only known habitable (and inhabited) planet in the universe, Earth informs our search for life elsewhere. Future telescopes like the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) will soon look for […]
Posted inCareer Opportunities, Education and Outreach, Status Report
DEI Survey For OoLEN (Origin of Life Early-Career Network)
Our partners at OoLEN (Origin of Life Early-Career Network) are conducting a survey about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of origin of life research.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
What To Make Of The Earth’s Curiously Intermediate Land Fraction?
Approximately two-thirds of the Earth, the only known inhabited planet, is covered in ocean. Why not 0.01% or 99.99%? It has been previously suggested that this may represent a certain […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Hydration Features on Near-Earth Objects: Integrating New Data with Prior Results
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are excellent laboratories for testing processes that affect airless bodies, as well as informing us about Solar System history.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Status Report
Dynamical Interactions and Habitability in the TOI-700 Multi-Planet System
The discovery of a second earth sized planet (TOI-700e) interior to the habitable candidate TOI-700d has prompted further research into this system, as the additional planet makes the TOI-700 system […]
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Comets and Asteroids, Commercial & Private Sector, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report
Microbial Biomining From Asteroidal Material Onboard The International Space Station
Expanding human space exploration necessitates technologies for sustainable local resource acquisition, to overcome unviable resupply missions. Asteroids, some of which rich in metals like platinum group elements, are promising targets.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
The Genesis Project On The Origin Of Life Becomes A National Centre Of Competence In Research
The Federal Council has approved funding for the “Genesis” project on the origins of life, led by ETH Zurich in collaboration with the University of Lausanne. Genesis is one of […]
Posted inMicrogravity, Space Life Science, Space Stations, SPACELINE Current Awareness List, Status Report
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,185 30 January 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
The abstract in PubMed or at the publisher’s site is linked when available and will open in a new window.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astronauts and Explorers, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 1 February 2026: Drilling Diving Holes
Dale: Hi Keith, We’ve had a productive few days since I last checked in. Yesterday and today we worked on the eastern slopes adjacent to the Anuchin Glacier – Denis […]