The error catastrophe refers to the proliferation of non-functional molecules in conditions where molecular replication has low accuracy, which is likely to correspond to conditions present at the Origin of […]
Nanotechnology & SynBio
![[Left] Gene duplication results in paralog-specific divergence of ancient CNSs. [Right] CNSs identified within experimentally validated CREs. (A-F) -- Science](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/300-million-years.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Plant Biology, Press Release, Space Agriculture
300 Million Years Of Hidden Genetic Instructions Shaping Plant Evolution Revealed
A deep genetic mystery has baffled plant scientists for decades. Although leaves, stems, and flowers develop in strikingly similar ways across many plant species, scientists have struggled to identify the […]
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Citizen Science / Open Science, Commercial & Private Sector, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report
With Evo 2, AI Can Model And Design The Genetic Code For All Domains Of Life
The DNA foundation model Evo 2, first released in February 2025 as a preprint, is now published in the journal Nature. Trained on the DNA of over 100,000 species across […]
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
Scientists Form Complex DNA Structures Without Hydrogen Bond
No “sticky ends”? No problem. A new study by NYU chemists finds that DNA tiles can assemble into 3D structures without the sticky cohesion of hydrogen bonding. This finding, published […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Commercial & Private Sector, Exploration Gear & Tech, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Space Stations
Microbes Harvest Metals From Meteorites Aboard The International Space Station
If humankind is to explore deep space, one small passenger should not be left behind: microbes.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Commercial & Private Sector, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, NASA Astrobiology Program, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Astrobiologists Search For Alien Life And Help Life On Earth In The Process
On Earth, life thrives in some of the most seemingly inhospitable environments.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Theoretical Perspective On Synthetic Life: Learning From The Origin Of Life
Creating a man‐made life in the laboratory is one of life science’s most intriguing yet challenging problems.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Commercial & Private Sector, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Press Release, Sample Return
XTREMOLIFE: An EU Initiative to Unlock the Biotechnological Potential of Extremophiles
SUMMARY: The EU-funded project XTREMOLIFE aims to accelerate the bioprospecting and biodiscovery of extremophile microorganisms from desert, polar, and volcanic environments, as well as the identification of their bioactive compounds, […]
Posted inExploration Gear & Tech, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs
Programmable Lego-like Material Emulates Life’s Flexibility
Mechanical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a proof-of-concept method for programming mechanical properties into solid Lego-like building blocks. By controlling the solidity of hundreds of individual cells in specific […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Sample Return
Amino Acids Discovered In Asteroid Bennu Formed In Space In The Early Solar System
Amino acids, the building blocks necessary for life, were previously found in samples of 4.6-billion-year-old rocks from an asteroid called Bennu, delivered to Earth in 2023 by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.