We present an overview of sources of biologically relevant astrophysical radiation and effects of that radiation on organisms and their habitats. We consider both electromagnetic and particle radiation, with an […]
Radiation
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Radiation, Space Stations
Algae Survive Heat, Cold and Cosmic Radiation Outside of the Space Station
In a long-term experiment on the International Space Station, Fraunhofer researchers studied how the extreme conditions in space affect algae. Fraunhofer conducted this experiment in close cooperation with German and […]
Posted inPress Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
Astrobiological Effects of Gamma-Ray Bursts in the Milky Way Galaxy
A planet having protective ozone within the collimated beam of a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) may suffer ozone depletion, potentially causing a mass extinction event to existing life on a […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release, Radiation, Tardigrades
Tardigrade Radiation Protection Gene Discovered
A new water bear protein can protect the DNA of human cultured cells from otherwise lethal amounts of radiation damage, say a group of Japanese researchers, providing part of the […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Radiation, Space Stations
Expose-R2 External Space Exposure Experiment Returned From Space Station
Hitching a ride in the Soyuz capsule with Tim Peake, Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Kopra were 46 species of small organisms and more than 150 organic compounds. Their voyage was […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Radiation
Radiation Blasts Leave Most Earth-like Planet Uninhabitable
The most Earth-like planet could have been made uninhabitable by vast quantities of radiation, new research led by the University of Warwick research has found. The atmosphere of the planet, […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation
Ground-level Ozone Following Astrophysical Ionizing Radiation Events
Astrophysical ionizing radiation events such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and solar proton events have been recognized as a potential threat to life on Earth. This threat would result primarily through […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation
Earth-like planets Around Small Stars May Have Magnetic Fields Aiding Chances for Life
Earth-like planets orbiting close to small stars probably have magnetic fields that protect them from stellar radiation and help maintain surface conditions that could be conducive to life. A planet’s […]
Posted inRadiation
Do Solar Events Trigger Birth Defects on Earth?
Studies find airplane crews at high altitude are exposed to potentially harmful levels of radiation from cosmic rays. “Neutrons which don’t reach the ground do reach airline altitude,” said Adrian […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation
Shielding From The Solar Wind: Implications for Habitability
The onset and nature of the earliest geomagnetic field is important for understanding the evolution of the core, atmosphere andlife on Earth. A record of the early geodynamo is preserved […]