[BioSystems via PubMed] The emergence of life represents a fundamental geometric phase transition in the state space of complex systems, rather than a mere sequence of chemical syntheses. Building upon […]
Lithopanspermia
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Interstellar, Origin & Evolution of Life, Panspermia, Radiation, Status Report
Virolithopanspermia: Might Viruses Be Transported In Rocks Through Space?
Material can apparently move between planets, at least on rare occasions. For example, meteorites have been found on Earth that appear to have originated on Mars, or even outside our […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Origin & Evolution of Life, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Space Stations, Status Report
DNA Damage And Survival Time Course Of Deinococcal Cell Pellets During 3 Years Of Exposure To Outer Space
The hypothesis called “panspermia” proposes an interplanetary transfer of life. Experiments have exposed extremophilic organisms to outer space to test microbe survivability and the panspermia hypothesis. Microbes inside shielding material […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Panspermia, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report
Protective Effects of Halite to Vacuum and Vacuum-Ultraviolet Radiation: A Potential Scenario During a Young Sun Superflare
Halite (NaCl mineral) has exhibited the potential to preserve microorganisms for millions of years on Earth. This mineral was also identified on Mars and in meteorites.
Posted inIcy Worlds, Panspermia
Seeding Life on the Moons of the Outer Planets via Lithopanspermia
Material from the surface of a planet can be ejected into space by a large impact, and could carry primitive life forms with it. We performed n-body simulations of such […]