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The DNA repair and ROS detoxification genes in the Curtobacterium aetherium L6-1 genome not found in strain DSM 20129.The genomes were compared using the BLAST Ring Image Generator (BRIG) with the blastp algorithm. The rings represent the following (from innermost to outermost): ① GC content, ② GC skew of the L6-1 genome, ③ percent identity to L6-1 of the protein orthologs found in strain DSM 20129, and ④ DNA repair (black) and ROS detoxification (gray) genes. The genes present in L6-1 but absent in DSM 20129 are indicated in red. -- Microorganisms

Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Sample Return, Status Report

The Genetic Determinants of Extreme UV Radiation and Desiccation Tolerance in a Bacterium Recovered from the Stratosphere

by Keith CowingJune 15, 2026June 15, 2026

Microbes that survive transport to and in the stratosphere endure extremes of low temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity, as well as high fluxes in ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

Images of tardigrades with mineral coatings. Each image is annotated with the sample, simulant and time of exposure in days. Before treatment: Panels A–C show example active animals from inoculums with smooth exteriors. After treatment: Panels D–G show examples of active animals with mineral particles visible as a rough, bumpy exterior (arrows point to examples). Panels H–M show inactive (presumed dead) animals with mineral particles attached. Panels H, K and M show examples of bloated animals. Scale bar is 100 microns and the same size in each image. Images without scale bars are from videos and are shown at approximately the same scale. -- International Journal of Astrobiology

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Desert Worlds, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering

Short-term Survival Of Tardigrades In Martian Regolith Simulants

by Keith CowingFebruary 28, 2026February 28, 2026

With future intended human missions to Mars, it is crucial to understand the potential habitability of martian regolith both to support plant growth and to mitigate accidental release of organisms […]