Articles tagged with Astrobiology
Scientists have found high levels of amino acids in two meteorites, indicating that the early solar system was a rich source of organic compounds. This discovery supports the idea that meteorites may have delivered these essential building blocks to Earth.
Researchers analyze comet Wild 2 samples, finding evidence of material formed at both cold and hot temperatures, and unusual organic molecules with oxygen and nitrogen content. The discovery raises questions about how these fragile materials survived capture and formed in the early solar system.
Scientists have found that macromolecular carbon in Martian meteorites is always associated with magnetite, a mineral catalyst for its formation. This association raises hopes that the meteorite's carbon complexes could be evidence of non-biological synthesis of organic molecules on Mars.
Researchers use diamond anvil cells to test bacteria's survival under extreme pressure, finding they can withstand conditions similar to deep ocean trenches and the deep crust. The study's findings raise questions about the impact of pressure on life's evolution and expand our understanding of potential habitable niches beyond Earth.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.