[biorxiv.org] Meteorite impact structures on earth represent unique terrestrial analogues of extreme planetary environments where fractured lithologies, hydrothermal alteration, elevated concentrations of radionuclides, and prolonged water-rock interactions create ecological niches […]
uranium
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Bacteria That Convert Uranium Into A Stable Chemical Compound
[HZDR] The radioactive heavy metal uranium is usually found in the soil in a mineral-bound form but can be converted into soluble forms by environmental influences or mining activities. If […]
![(a) Top panel shows [Eu/α] independent of the temperature bias as a function of [α/H]. Small orange triangles represent data from DM and small green triangles represent data from BB. The cross matched sample of 68 stars described in Section 3.1 is shown in big red squares. Stars from the solar twins analysis by Spina et al. (2018), Bedell et al. (2018) are shown as big blue circles. A black star is used to represent the solar abundance value. The red dashed line at [Eu/α] = 0.06 represents the critical value for an extended dynamo failure given by the model from Nimmo et al. (2020). Outliers in [Eu/H] abundances discussed in Section 6.2 are outlined in black. -- astro-ph.SR](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Distribution-of-Europium.png?resize=1200%2C711&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Interstellar, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Distribution of Europium in The Milky Way Disk; Its Connection to Planetary Habitability and The Source of The R-Process
The energy provided in the radioactive decay of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) isotopes, embedded in planetary mantles, sustains geodynamics important for surface habitability such as the generation of a […]
![Genetic engineering of protein to incorporate dual uranyl-binding sites for enhanced uranium extraction from seawater. [Science China Press]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SynBio-Enhanced-Uranium.png?resize=1200%2C716&ssl=1)
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
SynBio: Enhanced Biological Uranium Extraction From Seawater
Researchers at Hainan University have developed a novel protein named LSUBP, specifically designed with twin uranyl-binding sites to significantly enhance uranium extraction from seawater. Compared to previously developed adsorption-based materials, […]
![Illustration similar to that of Fig. 2 in Nimmo et al. (2020), demonstrating the sensitivity of core convection to changing concentrations of radiogenic elements (relative to the terrestrial amount), see Nimmo et al. (2020) for details on model parameters. Color scaled to represent net entropy production from radiogenic heating, with the black region representing negative production (no dynamo). Dashed red line represents the regime at [Eu/α]=0.08 where a dynamo failure lasting > 100 Myr first begins. Solid black lines represent contours of constant mantle temperature. astro-ph.SR](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Distribution-of-Europium-in-The-Milky-Way-Disk.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Radiation, Status Report
Distribution of Europium in The Milky Way Disk; Its Connection to Planetary Habitability and The Source of The R-Process
The energy provided in the radioactive decay of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) isotopes, embedded in planetary mantles, sustains geodynamics important for surface habitability such as the generation of a […]