Archean atmospheric evolution is the transition from an abiological atmosphere, to an atmosphere for which the composition and therefore climate is highly altered by life. We review the key processes […]
Archean
Posted inAnalog Studies, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Proxima Centauri, Status Report
Detectability Simulations of a NIR Surface Biosignature on Proxima Centauri b with Future Space Observatories
Telescope missions are currently being designed which will make direct imaging of habitable exoplanets possible in the near future, and studies are needed to quantify the detectability of biosignature features […]
Posted inArctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Microbial Structures In An Antarctic Lake Could Reveal More About How Life Evolved
By Emma Caton — In the depths of remote Antarctic lakes, communities of microorganisms are thriving where few life forms can survive.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Retrievals Applied to a Decision Tree Framework Can Characterize Earthlike Exoplanet Analogs
Exoplanet characterization missions planned for the future will soon enable searches for life beyond our solar system. Critical to the search will be the development of life detection strategies that […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Fossils & Paleontology, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Operational Report: Drilling In The Moodies Group of the Barberton Greenstone Belt (BASE – Barberton Archean Surface Environments)
The BASE (Barberton Archean Surface Environments) scientific drilling project focused on recovering unweathered continuous core through strata of the Paleoarchean Moodies Group (ca. 3.2 Ga), central Barberton Greenstone Belt (BGB), […]
![[L] Absorbance data was acquired on a Perkin Elmer Synergy Neo2 plate reader equipped with monochromator optics. We first conducted spectral scanning from 380 nm to 740 nm (5 nm steps) to determine the wavelength of maximal OD increase (645 nm). Subsequent endpoint reads were acquired pre- and post-UV exposure at that single wavelength. Black columns – liposomes before the UV irradiation; grey columns – liposomes radiated with UV for 3 minutes. [R] Liposomes after 3 min of UV radiation. The top image shows liposomes shielded by cuvettes with distilled water, and the middle and bottom images show liposomes shielded by cuvettes with solutions of (NH4)5[Fe(C6H4O7)2] and FeCl3. -- biorxiv.org](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Solutions-Of-Ferrous-Salts.png?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Solutions Of Ferrous Salts Protect Liposomes From UV Damage: Implications For Life Origin
Previously, we presented a hypothesis on the Darwinian evolution of liposomes that relies only on natural and ever-present phenomena: solar UV radiation, day/night cycle, gravity, and the formation of amphiphiles, […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Plate Tectonics In The Archean: Observation Versus Interpretation
The plate tectonics theory established in the 20th century has been successful in interpreting many geological phenomena, processes and events that have occurred in the Phanerozoic. However, the theory has […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Stability of DL-Glyceraldehyde under Simulated Hydrothermal Conditions: Synthesis of Sugar-like Compounds in an Iron(III)-Oxide-Hydroxide-Rich Environment under Acidic Conditions
Researchers have suggested that the condensation of low-molecular-weight aldehydes under basic conditions (e.g., pH > 11) is the prebiotic reaction responsible for the abiotic formation of carbohydrates.
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
The Evolution And Spread Of Sulfur-cycling Enzymes Reflect Volcanic Sulfur Sources And The Redox State Of The Early Earth
The biogeochemical sulfur cycle plays a central role in fueling microbial metabolisms, regulating the redox state of the Earth, and impacting climate through remineralization of organic carbon.
Posted inAstrogeology, Press Release
Flash Floods In The Mid-Archean
Scientists supported in part by the NASA Astrobiology Program have provided new details of how the Hooggeneoeg Formation in South Africa was formed. The Hooggeneoeg Formation is found in the […]