![The multiple roles of methanogens in the modern-day carbon cycle. Processes shown in red contribute to greenhouse gas production. Part of the methane is removed through microbial methane oxidation (A)MO and photochemical reactions, where e is a generic electron donor (e.g., arsenate or sulfate) that is reduced to eH. Processes depicted in green sequester CO2, storing it long-term as carbonates. The size of the arrows relates to the relative biogeochemical importance of the process. The metabolic activity of methanogens may locally alter pH and produce copious amounts of EPS (seen as a veil surrounding the cells in the microphotograph (yellow arrow)). These EPS bind cations (e.g., Ca, Mg) and act as nucleation site, while elevated pH enhances the carbonate precipitation in microbial mats [196]. This contribution by methanogens may ultimately produce microbialites [183] -- preprints.org](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Methanogens-Through-Geological.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Methanogens, also known as methanogenic archaea, are among the most ancient and widespread microorganisms, despite their particular requirements for growth. These oxygen-sensitive microorganisms have impacted climate and biogeochemical cycles throughout […]
2026
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microgravity, Plant Biology, Sample Return, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Extreme Environmental Tolerance And Space Survivability Of The Moss, Physcomitrium patens
Climate change highlights the importance of understanding life’s survival limits for addressing global challenges and supporting future human habitation beyond Earth. Plants, as photosynthetic organisms, play a vital role in […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Status Report
Direct Constraints From 1.4 Ga Fluid Inclusions Reveal A Fair Climate And Oxygenated Atmosphere
The Mesoproterozoic eon, often regarded as mundane and static, lays the foundation for dramatic transformations in Earth’s physical and biological evolution during the subsequent Neoproterozoic.
Posted inArtemis & Lunar Exploration, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Fossils & Paleontology, Missions & Hardware, Moon, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release
Lunar Spacecraft Exhaust Could Obscure Clues To Origins Of Life
Over half of the exhaust methane from lunar spacecraft could end up contaminating areas ofthe moon that might otherwise yield clues about the origins of earthly life, according toa recent […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Icy Worlds, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 7 January 2026: Arrival In Antarctica
Keith’s note: I got this update by text from Dale early this morning:
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
A New Census Of Our Sun’s Neighbors Reveals The Best Potential Real Estate For Life
A new study led by a Georgia State University astronomy graduate student is a major step forward in the search for stars that could host Earth-like planets that may prove […]
Posted inAstronauts and Explorers, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Tricorders & Sensors
Charting The Microbial Map Inside The International Space Station
Astronauts have company on the International Space Station (ISS International Space Station). Bacteria squat on handrails. Skin flakes lodge in air vents like lint. A corn-loving fungus has become a […]
Posted inArctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Jupiter, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Jupiter’s Moon Europa Has A Seafloor That May Be Quiet And Lifeless
The giant planet Jupiter has nearly 100 known moons, yet none have captured the interest and imagination of astronomers and space scientists quite like Europa, an ice-shrouded world that is […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Organic Carbon In A Submarine Pressure Cooker
The mid-ocean ridge runs through the oceans like a suture. Where the Earth’s plates move apart, new oceanic crust is continuously formed. This is often accompanied by magmatism and hydrothermal […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release
The (Metabolic) Cost Of Life
There are “costs of life” that mechanical physics cannot calculate. A clear example is the energy required to keep specific biochemical processes active — such as those that make up […]