[Nikon Corporation] (Nikon) is pleased to announce that the live cell observation system developed by Nikon and its U.S.-based subsidiary Nikon Instruments Inc. (NII) has been selected for “research on […]
Commercial & Private Sector
![iss057e000185 (10/8/2018) – Biomolecule Sequencer [a flight certified Nanopore MinIon] for the BEST experiment floating in front of Window 7 in the Cupola module. Earth is in the background. The Biomolecule Sequencer seeks to demonstrate, for the first time, that DNA sequencing is feasible in an orbiting spacecraft. A space-based DNA sequencer could identify microbes, diagnose diseases and understand crew member health, and potentially help detect DNA-based life elsewhere in the solar system. -- NASA](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Nanopore-Sequencing.jpg?resize=1200%2C721&ssl=1)
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Commercial & Private Sector, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Origin & Evolution of Life, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Nanopore Sequencing: A Way To Explore Life’s Origins
In future years, it seems likely that someone will claim they have discovered a process that allows a mixture of simple molecules to assemble into structures and systems with the […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report
Behavioral, Physiological, and Transcriptional Mechanisms of Memory in a Synthetic Living Construct
Synthetic living constructs, which lack the long histories of selection in ecological contexts that shape behaviors of conventional organisms, offer an important complement to traditional studies of learning.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Radiation, Sample Return, Status Report
Molecular Adaptations And Engineering Of Extremophiles For Synthetic Biology And Biotechnological Applications
Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in environments previously thought to be uninhabitable, including extreme temperature, salinity, pH, pressure, and radiation.
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Citizen Science / Open Science, Commercial & Private Sector, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report
With Evo 2, AI Can Model And Design The Genetic Code For All Domains Of Life
The DNA foundation model Evo 2, first released in February 2025 as a preprint, is now published in the journal Nature. Trained on the DNA of over 100,000 species across […]
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations
Rethinking The Microbial Future of Space Travel
University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai is part of NASA’s Analysis Working Groups (AWG) and co-author of a review paper published Jan. 22 in npj Biofilms Microbiomes. The group’s microbes […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Commercial & Private Sector, Exploration Gear & Tech, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Space Stations
Microbes Harvest Metals From Meteorites Aboard The International Space Station
If humankind is to explore deep space, one small passenger should not be left behind: microbes.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Commercial & Private Sector, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
First Genome Sequence And Functional Profiling Of Psychrobacter SC65A.3 Preserved In 5,000-year-old Cave Ice
Introduction: Ancient cryospheric environments may preserve overlooked reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bioactive potential. This study reports the first whole-genome sequencing and functional characterization of Psychrobacter sp. SC65A.3 isolated […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Commercial & Private Sector, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, NASA Astrobiology Program, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Astrobiologists Search For Alien Life And Help Life On Earth In The Process
On Earth, life thrives in some of the most seemingly inhospitable environments.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Commercial & Private Sector, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Press Release, Sample Return
XTREMOLIFE: An EU Initiative to Unlock the Biotechnological Potential of Extremophiles
SUMMARY: The EU-funded project XTREMOLIFE aims to accelerate the bioprospecting and biodiscovery of extremophile microorganisms from desert, polar, and volcanic environments, as well as the identification of their bioactive compounds, […]