All astrobiology articles
-
NewsDynamic duo of bacteria could change Mars dust into versatile building material for first human colonists
Scientists are investigating a bacterial co-culture mixed with Martian regolith as a potential feedstock for 3D printing on Mars. At the intersection of astrobiology, geochemistry, material science, construction engineering, and robotics, this synergistic system could revolutionize the potential for construction on the Red Planet.
-
NewsResearchers uncover potential biosignatures in Bright Angel formation on Mars
A new study has revealed potential chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in rocks examined by NASA’s Perseverance rover.
-
NewsLaser-powered device tested on Earth could help us detect microbial fossils on Mars
Scientists hoping to identify fossil evidence of ancient Martian microbial life have now found a way to test their hypothesis, proving they can detect the fossils of microbes in gypsum samples that are a close analogy to sulfate rocks on Mars.
-
NewsEfforts to find alien life could be boosted by simple test that triggers microbes
Scientists explored microbial movement as a possible biosignature to detect life on Mars and beyond, cheaper and faster than ever before.
-
NewsHidden biosphere unveiled beneath world’s driest hot desert
In a finding with implications for the search for extraterrestrial life, researchers have discovered microbial life 13 feet below Earth’s most inhospitable desert.
-
NewsSigns of life potentially detectable in single ice grain emitted from extraterrestrial moons
A new lab-based study shows that individual ice grains ejected from the moons of Saturn and Jupiter may potentially contain enough material for instruments headed there in the fall to detect signs of life, if such life exists.
-
NewsProtein fragments ID two new “extremophile” microbes—and may help find alien life
Scientists used proteotyping to identify two potentially new types of extremophile bacteria. These results suggest proteotyping could be a more complete solution for identifying extremophile microorganisms from small biological samples.
-
NewsShallow soda lakes show promise as cradles of life on Earth
A new study reports that a shallow “soda lake” in western Canada shows promise for matching the requirements for the emergence of life.
-
CareersDiego investigates how microbes can one day help to build a Moon settlement
Mentored by Dr. André Antunes, Peruvian student Diego Dueñas Parapar has been carrying out an AMI Summer Placement project focusing on space bio-constructions.
-
NewsJohn Rummel to be honored with the SETI Institute’s 2023 Drake Award
The SETI Institute has announced that Dr. John Rummel will receive the prestigious 2023 Drake Award, recognising his extraordinary and innovative programmatic contributions and unwavering advocacy for SETI and astrobiology.
-
CareersUnearthing the secrets of living rocks
Working on a NASA-CSA project was a dream come true - and 13 years on, I’ve travelled the world unravelling the secret of contemporary microbialites.
-
NewsBetter instrumentation is needed to detect ancient life on Mars, researchers say
Current state-of-the-art instrumentation being sent to Mars to collect and analyze evidence of life might not be sensitive enough to make accurate assessments, according to researchers.
-
NewsConan’s survival in extreme conditions suggests ancient bacteria might lurk beneath Mars’ surface
Researchers have found that ancient bacteria could survive close to the surface on Mars much longer than previously assumed.