DNA Archives

Circles denote the location of eDNA samples collected and preserved by the ESP onboard Surveyor during its ~4200-km transit over 29 days (June 10–July 9, 2021) from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands. Transit across oceanographic domains, from the California Current upwelling system to the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, is represented by sea surface temperature (SST) from satellite remote sensing. Shown is the June 2021 average of multiscale ultra-high resolution (MUR) SST Analysis fv04.1, acquired from https://coastwatch.pfeg.noaa.gov/erddap/index.html.

Analog Studies, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Ocean Planet Exploration Droids: Autonomous eDNA Collection Using An Uncrewed Surface Vessel

by Keith CowingNovember 30, 2024November 30, 2024

The collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples is often laborious, costly, and logistically difficult to accomplish at high frequency in remote locations and over large geographic areas.

This image highlights two alternatives for the ribosome to be recruited to an mRNA that is still being synthesized by RNA polymerase (RNAP). RNAP (left, red) can directly deliver the mRNA to the entry channel of the small ribosomal subunit (left, yellow). Alternatively, and likely dominant in bacteria, RNAP (green) can interact with ribosomal protein bS1 (right, cyan). bS1 binds and guides the mRNA (right, white and glowing) from RNAP into the small ribosomal subunit (right, yellow). CREDIT Image courtesy of Mohammad Afsar and Huma Rahil.

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

The Structural Link For Initiation Of Protein Synthesis In Bacteria

by Keith CowingNovember 29, 2024November 29, 2024

Within a cell, DNA carries the genetic code for building proteins.

a, Working model of rereading. b, Top box shows example trace of PASTOR-reread showing three almost-complete reread events (blue trace). Our model’s predicted signal for the PASTOR-reread sequence (pink trace) was aligned to each reread. The fourth VR contains an asparagine mutation, but the corresponding signal level consistently resembles aspartate in all three instances of this PASTOR-reread trace. The modelled sequence was changed to contain an aspartate to reflect the putative PTM. Bottom box shows the approximate region of the strand that is in the nanopore over time. -- Nature

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Multi-pass, Single-molecule Nanopore Reading of Long Protein Strands

by Keith CowingNovember 27, 2024November 27, 2024

Editor’s note: Oxford Nanopore technology has been used multiple times on the International Space Station (see Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics) to try and help elucidate changes in genomic function during exposure […]

Graphical Abstract: self-replication: When sulfur is positioned between the two nitrogens of benzothiadiazole, it can engage in edge-on molecular recognition events. We present a new potential self-replicating system based on this interaction, and evidence for autocatalysis. The designs have implications for exobiology, due to their cosmic similarities and potential for genetic capacity. -- Chemistry A European Journal

Astrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report

Self‐Replication Without Hydrogen‐Bonds: An Exobiotic Design

by Keith CowingNovember 27, 2024November 27, 2024

Life on Earth uses DNA as the central template for self-replication, genetic encoding, and information transfer.

Astrobiology (general), Exploration Gear & Tech, Missions & Hardware, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs

Mars Perseverance Rover Has Some Astrobiology Ink: A DNA Tattoo

by Keith CowingNovember 24, 2024November 24, 2024

Editor’s note: of course, this rover has a prime mission task of conducting Astrobiology research on Mars i.e. according to NASA it: “searches for signs of ancient microbial life, to […]

A diagram of left-handed and right-handed versions of the amino acid isovaline, found in the Murchison meteorite. NASA

Astrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Meteorites & Asteroids, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

Astrochemistry: The Mystery of Life’s Handedness Deepens

by Keith CowingNovember 22, 2024November 22, 2024

The mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations has deepened with a NASA-funded discovery that RNA — a key molecule thought to have potentially held the instructions for […]

The new nanotube also has the unique ability to transfer ions that are dissolved in water directly into the vacuum of mass spectrometers. Credit Photo provided by Nicholas Drachman.

Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Sample Return, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: New Mass Spectrometry Technology Could Transform Tiny Sample Analysis

by Keith CowingNovember 21, 2024September 18, 2025

Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique that allows scientists to break down and identify the building blocks of just about anything by measuring the mass of the tiny particles of […]

In silico investigations reveal contact modes and frequency of interactions in peptide/nucleic acid coacervates. (a) Representative simulation snapshot of the R4/RNA8 mixture, showing a cluster of RNA and peptide, and unbound peptide in excess. Inset magnifications highlight the investigated interaction modes, e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π-π/cation-π stacking. (b) Comparison between the number of DNA and RNA interactions with arginine peptides (per frame, per nucleotide), separated into three categories: hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and stacking. (c) Simplified rendering of R4/DNA8 (blue) and R4/RNA8 (purple) clusters, showing the helical, structured conformation acquired by DNA strands and the more disordered folding acquired by RNA strands, which leaves ribonucleotides exposed to interact with peptides. (d) Number of peptide/oligonucleotide contacts (all modes of interaction), which represents the total number of intermolecular contacts that one molecule of RNA8 or DNA8 forms with R3 or R4. (e) Excess peptide remaining in the simulation box at equilibrium for RNA8 or DNA8 coacervates with R3 or R4. Abbreviations: R = Arginine. -- chemrxiv.org

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Compositional Diversity Of Minimal Coacervates In A Nucleic Acid-peptide World

by Keith CowingNovember 8, 2024November 8, 2024

The early co-evolution of RNA and peptides is at the core of the RNA-peptide world hypothesis. Recent studies suggest that nucleotides and amino acids could have formed and polymerised non-enzymatically […]

Graphical abstract -- Nucleic Acids Research

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

New Study Sheds Light on Ancient Protoribosome and its Role in Early Life Evolution

by Keith CowingOctober 2, 2024October 2, 2024

Scientists have uncovered new insights into the protoribosome, a molecular fossil within the ribosome, which plays a key role in the origin of life on Earth. This research, published in […]

Astrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report

Reactant Discovery with an Ab Initio Nanoreactor: Exploration of Astrophysical N-Heterocycle Precursors and Formation Pathways

by Keith CowingSeptember 30, 2024September 29, 2024

The incorporation of nitrogen atoms into cyclic compounds is essential for terrestrial life; nitrogen-containing (N-)heterocycles make up DNA and RNA nucleobases, several amino acids, B vitamins, porphyrins, and other components […]

DNA

Ocean Planet Exploration Droids: Autonomous eDNA Collection Using An Uncrewed Surface Vessel

The Structural Link For Initiation Of Protein Synthesis In Bacteria

Tricorder Tech: Multi-pass, Single-molecule Nanopore Reading of Long Protein Strands

Self‐Replication Without Hydrogen‐Bonds: An Exobiotic Design

Mars Perseverance Rover Has Some Astrobiology Ink: A DNA Tattoo

Astrochemistry: The Mystery of Life’s Handedness Deepens

Tricorder Tech: New Mass Spectrometry Technology Could Transform Tiny Sample Analysis

Compositional Diversity Of Minimal Coacervates In A Nucleic Acid-peptide World

New Study Sheds Light on Ancient Protoribosome and its Role in Early Life Evolution

Reactant Discovery with an Ab Initio Nanoreactor: Exploration of Astrophysical N-Heterocycle Precursors and Formation Pathways

Dinosaur-killing Asteroid Also Created A Dust Cloud That Insulated Earth, Charbroiling Cretaceous Creatures

Current Water Trapping Micro-habitats On The Surface Of Mars

Methanotrophy Under Extreme Alkalinity In A Serpentinizing System

ANDES, The High-resolution Spectrograph Oof The ELT: Simulated Performance Of The CORO Module And Overview Of The High-contrast Capabilities For Exoplanet Observations

When Polymers Meet Primitive Membranes: How Molecular Cooperation May Have Helped Life Begin