Overview: A research team, led by Professor Moeto Nagai and comprised of researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Electronic Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS), Toyohashi University of […]
Microbiology & Virology
Posted inAnalog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: Investigating Microbial Communities and Their Biomarkers in Mars-Analog Lava Tubes at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CotM) is a strong terrestrial analog for lava tube formations on Mars.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release
Rare Opportunity To Study Short-lived Volcanic Island Reveals Sulfur-metabolizing Microbes
In 2015, a submarine volcano in the South Pacific erupted, forming the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai island, destined to a short, seven-year life.
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Radiation
Fatty Acid Vesicles As Hard UV-C Shields for Early Life
Theories on life’s origin generally acknowledge the advantage of a semi-permeable vesicle (protocell) for enhancing the chemical reaction-diffusion processes involved in abiogenesis.
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
2.6 Billion-year-old Ancestors Of The CRISPR Gene-editing Tool Have Been Resurrected
An international research group has for the first time reconstructed ancestors dating back 2.6 billion years of the well-known CRISPR-Cas system, and studied their evolution over time.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Radiation, Space Stations
A Self-Replicating Radiation-Shield for Human Deep-Space Exploration
The greatest hazard for humans on deep-space exploration missions is radiation. To protect astronauts venturing out beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere, advanced passive radiation protection is highly sought after.
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Space Life Science, Space Stations
Enhanced Assembly Of Bacteriophage T7 Produced In Cell-free Reactions Under Simulated Microgravity
On-demand biomanufacturing has the potential to improve healthcare and self-sufficiency during space missions.
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Smallest Mobile Lifeform Created
The origin of all biological movements, including walking, swimming, or flying, can be traced back to cellular movements; however, little is known about how cell motility arose in evolution.
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release
Dormant Magnetosome Genes Discovered In Non-magnetic Bacteria
Magnetic bacteria can align their movement with the Earth’s magnetic field thanks to chains of magnetic nanoparticles inside their cells. The blueprints for making and linking these magnetosomes are stored […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Shedding light On The Origin Of Complex Life Forms
How did the complex organisms on Earth arise? This is one of the big open questions in biology.