On May 11, a sealed capsule containing fungi and bacteria fell from the sky and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Microbiologist Kasthuri Venkateswaran could hardly wait to see what […]
Microbiology & Virology
Posted inAnalog Studies, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Sample Return
Hydrothermal Systems Show Spectrum of Extreme Life on Earth
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Hydrothermal system at the Danakil Depression. The yellow deposits are a variety of sulphates and the […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology
Vast Diversity Among Viruses That Infect Bacteria
Viruses that infect bacteria are among the most abundant life forms on Earth. Indeed, our oceans, soils and potentially even our bodies would be overrun with bacteria were it not […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release
First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell
Researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) and Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI) announced today the design and construction of the first minimal synthetic bacterial cell, JCVI-syn3.0. Using the first […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return
Extremophiles: Untapped Source of Antibacterial Drugs
One of the most mysterious forms of life may turn out to be a rich and untapped source of antibacterial drugs.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
NASA's Exposing Microorganisms in the Stratosphere Experiment Soars
NASA’s Exposing Microorganisms in the Stratosphere (E-MIST) experiment launched to the Earth’s stratosphere on the exterior of a giant scientific balloon gondola at about 8 a.m. MST on Aug. 24 […]
Posted inArctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology
Viable Microbial Ecosystem Confirmed 800 Meters Beneath Antarctic Ice
Researchers this week published a paper confirming that the waters and sediments of a lake that lies 800 meters (2,600 feet) beneath the surface of the West Antarctic ice sheet […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release
Microbes Can Create Dripstones
According to new research humble, microscopic organisms can create dripstones in caves. This illustrates how biological life can influence the formation of Earth’s geology – and the same may be […]
Posted inBiophysics, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Gravitational Biology, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Panspermia, Space Stations
Space Station Research Studies Exposure Of Life To Vacuum of Space
In the movies, humans often fear invaders from Mars. These days, scientists are more concerned about invaders to Mars, in the form of micro-organisms from Earth. Three recent scientific papers […]
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Viruses Hijack Deep-sea Bacteria At Hydrothermal Vents
More than a mile beneath the ocean’s surface, as dark clouds of mineral-rich water billow from seafloor hot springs called hydrothermal vents, unseen armies of viruses and bacteria wage war.