Scientists have developed an artificial protein that could offer new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. All cells need energy to survive, but because the kinds of chemicals available […]
genomics
Posted inCaves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release
Metagenome-assembled Genomes From Monte Cristo Cave (Diamantina, Brazil) Reveal Prokaryotic Lineages As Functional Models For Life On Mars
Although several studies have explored microbial communities in different terrestrial subsurface ecosystems, little is known about the diversity of their metabolic processes and survival strategies.
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Chromatin Originated In Ancient Microbes One To Two Billion Years Ago
In almost every human cell, two metres-long DNA has to fit within a nucleus that is just 8 millionths of a metre wide. Like wool around a spool, the extreme […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release
Quantum Mechanics Could Explain Why DNA Can Spontaneously Mutate
The molecules of life, DNA, replicate with astounding precision, yet this process is not immune to mistakes and can lead to mutations. Using sophisticated computer modelling, a team of physicists […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry
Resurrecting Ancient Enzymes To Improve Photosynthesis
A Cornell University study describes a breakthrough in the quest to improve photosynthesis in certain crops, a step toward adapting plants to rapid climate changes and increasing yields to feed […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ocean Water Samples Yield Treasure Trove Of RNA Virus Data
Ocean water samples collected around the world have yielded a treasure trove of new data about RNA viruses, expanding ecological research possibilities and reshaping our understanding of how these small […]
Posted inOrigin & Evolution of Life
Symmetry And Simplicity Spontaneously Emerge From The Algorithmic Nature Of Evolution
Engineers routinely design systems to be modular and symmetric in order to increase robustness to perturbations and to facilitate alterations at a later date. Biological structures also frequently exhibit modularity […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release
New Astrobiology Research Predicts Life 'As We Don't Know It'
The search for alien life has been restricted to using life on Earth as the reference, essentially looking for “life as we know it” beyond Earth. For astrobiologists looking for […]
Posted inOrigin & Evolution of Life
Towards RNA Life On Early Earth: From Atmospheric HCN To Biomolecule Production In Warm Little Ponds
The basic building blocks of RNA could have been delivered by carbon-rich meteorites, or produced in situ by processes beginning with the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the early […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release
DNA In Archaeological Sediments
The analysis of ancient DNA preserved in sediments is an emerging technology allowing for the detection of the past presence of humans and other animals at archaeological sites. Yet, little […]