[astro-ph.SR] The origin of the molecular building blocks of life is a central question in science. A few α-amino acids such as glycine, the simplest proteinogenic amino acid, have been […]
Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology
Methane Production On Mars-Relevant Clay Minerals And Simulant Regolith
[Microorganisms]. Over the course of Martian history, the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide and potential subsurface molecular hydrogen (H2), in addition to potential surface and subsurface liquid water, suggests that […]
Posted inMars
Viking Science
[Astrobiology (Journal)] The Viking missions hosted identical payloads on each of two orbiters and landers. All four missions far exceeded their pre-planned operating times and science objectives, with all but […]
![Molecular structure of the two conformational isomers that are connected through a single bond rotation,syn and anti CH2CHCHS. The numbers represent the zero-point energy corrected energy separation in kcal mol−1 at the CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ-F12//SCS-MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ, described later in the text. -- [astro-ph.GA]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Laboratory-spectroscopy.png?resize=1200%2C723&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry
Laboratory Spectroscopy, Theoretical Characterization, And Astronomical Search For Syn-propenethial (CH2CHCHS)
[astro-ph.GA] We report the laboratory characterization of the higher-energy isomer of propenethial, syn-CH2CHCHS. While the lower-energy isomer, anti-CH2CHCHS, was detected in the interstellar medium during the QUIJOTE line survey of […]
![Snapshots of the system 1 ps after the initial contact of the nanograins for different initial velocities. Atom colour key indicates hydrogen: white; carbon: dark gray; oxygen: red; silicon: beige; and magnesium: green. -- [astro-ph.GA]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/When-Two-Worlds.png?resize=1200%2C715&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry
When Two Worlds Collide: How Collisions Between Silicate and Carbonaceous Nanograins can Drive Complex Chemistry
[astro-ph.GA] Our overall objective is to determine how collision velocity governs the interactions between silicate and carbonaceous nanograins. (astrochemistry)
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Methanotrophy Under Extreme Alkalinity In A Serpentinizing System
[Nature] Serpentinization produces hyperalkaline, H2– and CH4-rich fluids that support microbial life and serve as analogs for ocean worlds such as Enceladus. While methane production in these systems has been […]
Posted inOrigin & Evolution of Life
When Polymers Meet Primitive Membranes: How Molecular Cooperation May Have Helped Life Begin
[The Hebrew University of Jerusalem] Researchers have identified a simple form of molecular cooperation that may have helped life’s earliest building blocks become more stable and organized.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Detecting Habitable Exoplanet Atmospheres With LIFE, The Large Interferometer For Exoplanets
[astro-ph.IM] A key goal of astronomers with the next generation telescopes is to detect signs of life in exoplanet atmospheres. NASA’s next flagship is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Bacteria That Convert Uranium Into A Stable Chemical Compound
[HZDR] The radioactive heavy metal uranium is usually found in the soil in a mineral-bound form but can be converted into soluble forms by environmental influences or mining activities. If […]
Posted inTricorders & Sensors
TricorderTech: PerkinElmer Partners With eXXpedition Using Advanced FTIR Spectroscopy
[PerkinElmer], a global leader in analytical solutions that drive human and environmental health, today announced a partnership with eXXpedition, the all-women global sailing research organization dedicated to investigating the causes […]