Editor’s note: As we expand outward from Earth to other worlds we are almost certainly going to encounter things we did not expect to find – things that are unlikely […]
Nanotechnology
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report
Self-assembled Versus Biological Pattern Formation In Geology
Both abiotic self-organization and biological mechanisms have been put forward as the origin of a number of geological patterns.
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
When Light Teaches Materials To Self-organize: Writing Nature-like 3D Nanowrinkles
Wrinkles are everywhere in nature. They shape the surface of leaves, insect wings, and even the tiny finger-like structures that line the human intestine. These patterns are not just decorative. […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Commercial & Private Sector, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, NASA Astrobiology Program, Origin & Evolution of Life, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Science Fiction, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Searching For Extraterrestrial Life Advances Terrestrial Sustainability
Astrobiology, while traditionally focused on understanding the origin of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere, offers powerful tools and insights for addressing urgent challenges on our planet.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report
Offworld Biotechnology Glovebox Operations: DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2
Working in the space station’s Microgravity Science Glovebox, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim mixes proteins with Janus base nanomaterials, small molecules that mimic DNA base pairs, for DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
Structure Of Bacteriophage Bas63: The Potential And Beauty Of The World Unseen
A University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study has produced a detailed blueprint of a bacteriophage, furthering their potential in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Prebiotically Plausible Peptides Can Self-assemble Into β-rich Nanostructures
Modern proteins are remarkable polymers built from a 20-amino-acid alphabet, shaped by billions of years of evolution. Yet in Earth’s prebiotic era, several amino acids – particularly the canonical basic […]
Posted inBiophysics, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
Bacteria Reveal Hidden Powers Of Electricity Transfer
Microbes are masters of survival, evolving ingenious strategies to capture energy from their surroundings. For decades, scientists believed that only a handful of bacteria used specialized molecular “circuits” to shuttle […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
SynBio: A Ring Has Been Added Onto Existing Ribosome Proteins
Inside our cells, ribosomes-the tireless “protein factories” of life-have just shown off a new skill they haven’t used in billions of years.
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Sample Return, Status Report
Halophiles and Halotolerants: From Industry to Astrobiology
Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms, as members of the extremophile group, hold significant potential for both industrial applications and astrobiological research.