Scientists at Yale and in Singapore have devised what may be the ultimate acid test — a comprehensive model for estimating the origins of Earth’s habitability, based in part on […]
biogeochemistry
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Mars, Moon, Status Report
Earth’s Composition: Origin, Evolution and Energy Budget
One in every two atoms in the Earth, Mars, and the Moon is oxygen; it is the third most abundant element in the solar system.
![Genetic engineering of protein to incorporate dual uranyl-binding sites for enhanced uranium extraction from seawater. [Science China Press]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SynBio-Enhanced-Uranium.png?resize=1200%2C716&ssl=1)
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
SynBio: Enhanced Biological Uranium Extraction From Seawater
Researchers at Hainan University have developed a novel protein named LSUBP, specifically designed with twin uranyl-binding sites to significantly enhance uranium extraction from seawater. Compared to previously developed adsorption-based materials, […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
An Astrobiological Perspective on Microbial Biofilms: Their Importance for Habitability and Production of Detectable and Lasting Biosignatures
The search for life elsewhere in the universe has remained one of the main goals of astrobiological exploration.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extinction events, Fossils & Paleontology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ancient Marine Organisms Play A Role In Recording Past Climate Change On Earth
A new study led by an international team, including researchers from The University of Western Australia, has discovered that a common marine organism could provide new ways to monitor ocean […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Press Release
How Did Life Develop On Early Earth? New Source Of Nitrogen Discovered
Researchers involving RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Southwestern Germany, are unraveling mysteries of a bygone era: As part of current studies, they are investigating how life could have developed on the early […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Deep Terrestrial Indigenous Microbial Community Dominated By Candidatus Frackibacter
Characterizing deep subsurface microbial communities informs our understanding of Earth’s biogeochemistry as well as the search for life beyond the Earth.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Sample Return
Journey to the Center of the Earth: The Search for Dark Oxygen
By Emily Greenhalgh – The elevator ride down was quicker than he expected. South Africa has the deepest active mines on Earth. And MBL scientist Emil Ruff and an international […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
Nitrogenase Structural Evolution Across Earth’s History
Life on Earth is more than 3.5 billion years old—nearly as old as the age of the planet. Over this vast expanse of time, life and its biomolecules adapted to […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Press Release, Terraforming & Geoengineering, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Prehistoric Rock In Japan Reveals Clues To A Major Ocean Anoxic Event
By studying prehistoric rocks and fossils emerging from the side of Mount Ashibetsu in Japan, researchers have precisely refined the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a), […]