The joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign is a proposed multi-mission effort to bring selected geological samples from Mars to Earth […]
Astrobiology via PubMed
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Desorption of Terrestrial Noble Gases in Mars 2020 Sample Tubes: Implications for Mars Sample Return
The Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign aims to collect and transport to Earth samples of martian atmosphere contained in sample tubes onboard the Mars 2020 rover, Perseverance. Understanding and mitigating […]
Posted inGravitational Biology, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Space Life Science, Status Report
Impact of a High Magnetic Field on the Orientation of Gravitactic Unicellular Organisms
The gravity-dependent behavior of Paramecium biaurelia and Euglena gracilis have previously been studied on ground and in real microgravity.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
From Polymerization-Enabled Folding and Assembly to Chemical Evolution: Key Processes for Emergence of Functional Polymers in the Origin of Life
Chemical and geological processes on prebiotic Earth are believed to have resulted in the emergence of life through the increasing organization and functionality of organic molecules.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Life Support Systems, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Planetary Protection Knowledge Gap Closure Enabling Crewed Missions to Mars
As focus for exploration of Mars transitions from current robotic explorers to development of crewed missions, it remains important to protect the integrity of scientific investigations at Mars, as well […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Microbiology & Virology, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
Characterizing Microbial Communities in >7000- and >180,000-Year-Old Antarctic Permafrost Using a Low-Biomass Decontamination Protocol
The McMurdo Dry Valleys may harbor diverse surface microbial communities, yet little is known about subsurface microorganisms in permafrost and their potential for paleoecological reconstruction.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mars, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Slow Radiolysis of Amino Acids in Mars-Like Permafrost Conditions: Applications to the Search for Extant Life on Mars
Future missions dedicated to the search for extant life on Mars will require a clear understanding of the organic biosignature degradation processes in the shallow icy subsurface.
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Experimental Models On The Prebiotic Formation Of Biopolymer Building Blocks
The scientific study of the origins of life is a deep pursuit that exists at the intersection of multiple disciplines.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
The Origin of Life: What Is the Question?
The question of the origin of life is a tenacious question that challenges many branches of science but is also extremely multifaceted.
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Life Detection Knowledge Base: A Community Tool for Knowledge Management and Representation
The Life Detection Knowledge Base (LDKB; https://lifedetectionforum.com/ldkb) is a community-owned web resource that is designed to facilitate the infusion of astrobiology knowledge and expertise into the conceptualization and design of […]