Inhabiting Mars has long been a futuristic fantasy fueled by science fiction. However, successful landings on our neighboring planet over the past half-century have made this seemingly far-fetched idea increasingly […]
Nanotechnology & SynBio
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Sample Return, Space Stations, Status Report
Exploring The Potential Of A Bioassembler For Protein Crystallization In Space
Protein crystallization holds paramount significance in structural biology, serving as a pivotal technique for unveiling the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of proteins.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report
Micro-Mirror-Devices (MMDs): A New Family of MOEMS for the Habitable World Observatory
We present a new program aimed at developing a new generation of micromirror devices specifically tailored for astronomical applications, multi-slit spectroscopy in particular.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Light-to-electricity Nanodevice Reveals How Earth’s Oldest Surviving Cyanobacteria Worked
An international team of scientists have unlocked a key piece of Earth’s evolutionary puzzle by decoding the structure of a light-harvesting “nanodevice” in one of the planet’s most ancient lineages […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Plume Particle Ejecta Can Trace Habitat-forming Gradients in Ocean Worlds: Insights from Planet Earth Geochemistry
Upcoming explorations for habitability in the ocean worlds of the solar system can greatly benefit from searching beyond parameters such as water, organics, nitrogen, phosphate, and silicate and being able […]
![Genetic engineering of protein to incorporate dual uranyl-binding sites for enhanced uranium extraction from seawater. [Science China Press]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SynBio-Enhanced-Uranium.png?resize=1200%2C716&ssl=1)
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
SynBio: Enhanced Biological Uranium Extraction From Seawater
Researchers at Hainan University have developed a novel protein named LSUBP, specifically designed with twin uranyl-binding sites to significantly enhance uranium extraction from seawater. Compared to previously developed adsorption-based materials, […]
Posted inExploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: New Technique Expands Tissues So Hundreds Of Biomolecules Can Be Seen Inside Cells
Editor’s note: as we send increasingly sophisticated astrobiology probes – to more places – often at much greater distances – they will need to be able to do more and […]
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
Electrothrix yaqonensis: A New Species Of Electricity-conducting Organism
Scientists have identified a novel species of bacteria that acts as electrical wiring, potentially ushering in a new era of bioelectronic devices for use in medicine, industry, food safety, and […]
Posted inBiophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report
Patterning On Living Tardigrades
Micro/nanofabrication techniques have revolutionized modern photonics and electronics. However, conventional methods remain incompatible with living organisms due to inherent constraints including nonconformal coating, radiation damage, and toxic solvent requirements.
Posted inCommercial & Private Sector, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Space Stations
NSF-funded Microgravity Research Heads To The international Space Station On SpaceX CRS-32
Three investigations funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS International Space Station) National Laboratory are launching on SpaceX’s 32nd Commercial Resupply […]