methanogenesis Archives - Astrobiology

A miniature black smoker - The syringe injects the sulfidic fluid into the iron-rich solution in the vial. This precipitates a black iron-sulfide membrane. © Vanessa Helmbrecht

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Geobiology: Iron, Sulfur, Heat – And First Life

by Keith CowingMay 1, 2025May 1, 2025

The very first cells obtained their energy from geochemical reactions. LMU researchers have now managed to recreate this ancient metabolic process in their laboratory.

A: XRF maps of Ca, Fe, and Mn; RGB map of U, Mn, and Fe. Calcite and detrital minerals can be distinguished by areas of high and low abundance in the Ca map. B: Manganese K-edge μXANES. C: Iron K-edge μXANES. Sample spectra in B,C shown as colored curves; reference spectra shown as black curves. -- eartharxiv.org

Analog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report

Thermogenic Methane Production in Antarctic Subglacial Hydrocarbon Seeps

by Keith CowingApril 20, 2025April 20, 2025

Methane forms beneath ice sheets through microbial methanogenesis and thermogenic breakdown of organic matter, creating a potentially large greenhouse gas reservoir prone to release during glacial retreat.

SEM image of M. barkeri cluster collected from a MAC unit following a 14-day incubation at 7–12 mbar. -- Science Direct via PubMed

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report

Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis at 7–12 mbar by Methanosarcina barkeri Under Simulated Martian Atmospheric Conditions

by Keith CowingJanuary 27, 2025January 27, 2025

Mars, with its ancient history of long-lived habitable environments, continues to captivate researchers exploring the potential for extant life. This study investigates the biosignature potential of Martian methane by assessing […]

On the hunt for methanogenic microbes outside the Euryarchaeota, researchers started by collecting samples from Yellowstone National Park — also home to the Imperial Geyser pictured here. Image: Roland Hatzenpichler

Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Joint Genome Institute (JGI)-Enabled Research Demonstrates The Existence Of New Methane Makers

by Keith CowingSeptember 30, 2024September 29, 2024

Atmospheric levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, regulate Earth’s climate. Most methane is produced in environments without oxygen through a process called methanogenesis. Methanogenic microorganisms therefore play a critical […]

Mcr-dependent

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release

Mcr-Dependent Methanogenesis In Archaeoglobaceae Enriched From A Terrestrial Hot Spring

by Keith CowingDecember 22, 2022December 22, 2022

The preeminent source of biological methane on Earth is methyl coenzyme M reductase (Mcr)-dependent archaeal methanogenesis.