Microscopic plant-like organisms called phytoplankton are known to support the diversity of life in the ocean. Scientists in Israel now report that one species, Emiliania huxleyi, and a virus closely […]
Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Press Release
Continental Microbes Helped Seed Ancient Seas With Nitrogen
inds of many evolutionary biologists, the continents were irrelevant early in the Earth’s history, because they are assumed to have been barren of life until the first plants appeared, around […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Sample Return
Extreme Environment of Danakil Depression Sheds Light on Mars, Titan
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a spectacular, hostile environment that may resemble conditions encountered on Mars and Titan — as well as in sites containing nuclear waste. From 20 […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Titan
Possible Organic Precursors in Titan's Hydrocarbon
NASA researchers have confirmed the existence in Titan’s atmosphere of vinyl cyanide, which is an organic compound that could potentially provide the cellular membranes for microbial life to form in […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Press Release, Titan
New Titan Topographic Map
Using the now-complete Cassini data set, Cornell University astronomers have created a new global topographic map of Saturn’s moon Titan that has opened new windows into understanding its liquid flows […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Desert Worlds, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Sample Return
Salty Antarctic Pond Could Provide Clues About Mars’ Water
A shallow, briny pond located in what is often considered one of the most Mars-like regions on Earth is probably being fed by groundwater seeping up, rather than moisture seeping […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release
Limited Phosphorus Recycling Can Suppress a Planet’s Biosphere
The amount of biomass — life — in Earth’s ancient oceans may have been limited due to low recycling of the key nutrient phosphorus, according to new research by the […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Press Release
When Water Met Iron Deep Inside the Earth
Reservoirs of oxygen-rich iron between the Earth’s core and mantle could have played a major role in Earth’s history, including the breakup of supercontinents, drastic changes in Earth’s atmospheric makeup, […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Press Release
4.4 billion Years Ago Earth was Barren, Flat and Almost Entirely Under Water
ANU scientists say the early Earth was likely to be barren, mountainless and almost entirely under water with a few small islands, following their analysis of tiny mineral grains as […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Volcanic Hydrogen Spurs Chances of Finding Exoplanet Life
Hunting for habitable exoplanets now may be easier: Cornell University astronomers report that hydrogen pouring from volcanic sources on planets throughout the universe could improve the chances of locating life […]