Limnology
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Astrobiology Expedition To Lake Untersee, Antarctica: Genome-resolved Metagenomics Reveals Diverse Taxa And Metabolic Complexity

by Keith Cowing

Lake Untersee, a lake in Antarctica that is perennially covered with ice, is home to unique microbial structures that are not lithified.

Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Limited Adaptability Makes Freshwater Bacteria Vulnerable To Climate Change

by Keith Cowing

Freshwater resources are limited, accounting for only 3.5% of Earth’s water, with just 0.25% accessible on the surface. Nevertheless, freshwater lakes are essential for ecosystem functioning and global carbon cycling […]

Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs

Confirmation Of An Ancient Lake On Mars Builds Excitement For Perseverance Rover’s Samples

by Keith Cowing

If life ever existed on Mars, the Perseverance rover’s verification of lake sediments at the base of the Jezero crater reinforces the hope that traces might be found in the […]

Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release

DNA Reveals That Unique Microorganisms Evolved At Earth’s Poles

by Keith Cowing

Communities of microorganisms at the bottom of polar lakes evolved independently from other regions, influenced by the particular geological, biological and climate history of their regions. The unique character of […]

Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Research In Lake Superior Reveals How Sulfur Might Have Cycled In Earth’s Ancient Oceans

by Keith Cowing

Geochemist Alexandra Phillips has sulfur on her mind. The yellow element is a vital macronutrient, and she’s trying to understand how it cycles through the environment. Specifically, she’s curious about […]

Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Icy Worlds, Status Report

Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 5 November 2023: Setting Up Base Camp At Lake Untersee

by Keith Cowing

Hi Keith – We’ve successfully traveled from the Novo ice runway to Lake Untersee, Antarctica, navigating our snowmobiles and tracked vehicles across the icy plains. The snowmobile journey, lasting about […]

Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Icy Worlds, Status Report

Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 29 October 2023: Arrival at Novolazarevskaya Station

by Keith Cowing

Keith, After our arrival, we settled into one of the small huts at the ice runway operated by Ultima-Antarctic Logistics (formerly ALCI) and began preparing for the 125 km traverse […]

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