We present a new approach to exoplanet characterisation using techniques from complexity science, with potential applications to biosignature detection.
Tricorders & Sensors
Posted inIcy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Of Sublimating Salty Ice Analogues. Implications For Icy Moons
The composition of the surface of the Galilean icy moons has been debated since the Galileo mission. Several chemistries have been proposed to explain the composition of the non-icy component […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Space Life Science, Tricorders & Sensors
Spectrum Instrument Captures Images of Fluorescent Proteins Expressed in Biological Cells
Understanding which genes are expressed in biological cells is key to understanding how biological organisms respond and adapt to the stresses of spaceflight. This knowledge will help future space researchers […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
NOAA Satellites See Bioluminescence From Orbit
A recent study led by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), a NOAA partner located at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. Co., found that satellites from […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Gravitational Biology, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: MinION Sequencing Platform Effectively Detects Transcriptional Activity of Plant Microbes
Healthy plants are vital for successful, long-duration missions in space, as they provide the crew with life support, food production, and psychological benefits.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Vegetation Of Planet Earth: Researchers Publish Unique Database As Open Access
It’s a treasure trove of data: the global geodatabase of vegetation plots “sPlotOpen” is now freely accessible. It contains data on vegetation from 114 countries and from all climate zones […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Scientists Develop New Molecular Tool To Detect Alien Life
While scientists know the discovery of alien life would be a game-changing, interstellar event for humanity, the search to date has been unsuccessful. But now, they have a new tool […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Biosignatures Of The Earth I. Airborne Spectropolarimetric Detection Of Photosynthetic Life
Context. Homochirality is a generic and unique property of life on Earth and is considered a universal and agnostic biosignature. Homochirality induces fractional circular polarization in the incident light that […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release, Space Stations, Tricorders & Sensors
Multi-Spectral Fluorescence Imaging System for Studying Gene Expression on ISS
All organisms exposed to the spaceflight environment exhibit changes in the expression of many genes relative to the comparable ground controls left on Earth. The Multi-Spectral Fluorescence Imaging System (Spectrum) […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Organic Molecules Found In 3.5 billion-year-old Rocks
A research team including the geobiologist Dr. Helge Missbach from the University of Cologne has detected organic molecules and gases trapped in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks. A widely accepted hypothesis says […]