Ancient rocks are shedding new light on the timeline for life’s emergence on Earth. The rocks from the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt in Quebec, Canada, are believed to be some of […]
Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Cycling Nitrogen in Ancient Oceans
In recent years, scientists have found evidence that a ‘near complete’ biological nitrogen cycle existed in the oceans during the late Archean to early Proterozoic (from 2.5 to 2 billion […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology
A New Look at the Sulfur Cycle
The record of Earth’s sulfur cycle preserved in sedimentary rocks is commonly used to track the evolution of microbial sulfur metabolisms and levels of atmospheric oxygen throughout geologic history. Sulfur […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Conferences and Meetings
Paleobiology During the Genomics Era – An Astrobiology All-access Event
May 12-13, 2011 A two-day workshop using NAI remote communications tools will be held on May 12th and 13th, 2011. Real-time participation requires only an internet connection and is available […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware
Call for Symposium papers: Chemistry as a Tool for Space Exploration and Discovery at Mars
August 28-September 1, 2011 Denver, ColoradoAt the Fall 2011 American Chemical Society National Meeting Mars is the most accessible location outside of the Earth to investigate for evidence of past […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments
New Online Guidebook: Secrets of the Springs: Astrobiology in Yellowstone National Park
A new online guidebook helps people understand how astrobiology research ties to Yellowstone National Park. The guidebook, entitled “Secrets of the Springs: Astrobiology in Yellowstone National Park,” features an outline […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Conferences and Meetings
Geobiology in Space Exploration Workshop – Second Announcement
Universite Cadi Ayyad, Ibn Battuta Centre, Marrakech, Morocco Joint ESA/NASA Workshop and Field TripFebruary 7-9, 2011 ABSTRACT DEADLINE JANUARY 7th Conveners: Charles Cockell (Open University, UK), Oliver Angerer (ESA), Mary […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Weird Arsenic-Eating Microbes Discovered? Yes. Finding E.T.? No.
NASA-Funded Astrobiology Research Discovers Earth Life Built With Arsenic, NASA “NASA-funded astrobiology research has changed the fundamental knowledge about what comprises all known life on Earth. Researchers conducting tests in […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Arsenic-Based Life Found on Earth
Astrobiologists: Deadly arsenic breathes life into organisms, Arizona State University “Evidence that the toxic element arsenic can replace the essential nutrient phosphorus in biomolecules of a naturally occurring bacterium expands […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Origin & Evolution of Life
"Life As We Know It", Redefined
Keith’s note: Multiple, reliable sources within the Astrobiology community tell me that NASA’s Astrobiology announcement tomorrow concerns Arsenic-based biochemistry and the implications for the origin of life on Earth, how […]