University of Notre Dame Archives

An RNA library containing a partially randomized sequence having an estimated complexity of ~1014 sequences

How Early RNA-based Life May Have Repaired Its Genome

by Keith CowingJuly 14, 2026July 14, 2026

[University of Notre Dame] In most modern cells, DNA stores the genetic blueprint, and relies on proteins to replicate, repair and build from those blueprints. At the same time, proteins […]

The Masses (or M sin i values or mass estimates) vs. semi-major axes of the KGPS-I transiting planets and companions. For systems with a giant planet (M sin i > 0.3 MJ), the circle fill color corresponds to the maximum detected companion mass in the system (capped at 100 Jupiter masses), and the edge color encircling each point corresponds to the planetary system. Black dots correspond to transiting planets in our survey for which giant planets were not detected. Planet masses or M sin i values are reported where they are measured, but mass estimates are used for m ≲ 3 × 10−2MJ (see text for details). Companions that have eccentric, stellar-mass companions at large separations (KOIs 2169 and 3158, yellow) have planets that are smaller and closer to their stars than the typical transiting planets from the KGPS sample, whereas transiting planets that have giant planet companions (non-yellow colors) have comparable sizes and orbits to the transiting planets without detected giant planet companions. -- -- astro-ph.EP "The Kepler Giant Planet Search. I: A Decade of Kepler Planet Host Radial Velocities from W. M. Keck Observatory" -- astro-ph.EP The Kepler Giant Planet Search. I: A Decade of Kepler Planet Host Radial Velocities from W. M. Keck Observatory (older version) -- astro-ph.EP

Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report

Astrophysicists Publish Kepler Giant Planet Search, An Aid To “Figure Out Where To Find Life”

by Keith CowingDecember 21, 2023December 21, 2023

A team of astrophysicists led by Lauren Weiss, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, created the first-ever catalog of small, Earth-like […]