Field Of Astrobiology Research Articles

Identification of Luciferin on Europa through Data Science Analysis of Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) Data from the Galileo Orbiter

In this study, we investigated the potential presence of extraterrestrial life on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, by exploring the existence of Luciferin, a bioluminescent molecule. This hypothesis is based on Europa’s subsurface oceans and the geothermal conditions created by gravitational forces from Jupiter, similar to Earth’s hydrothermal vents. We reanalyzed raw data from the Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) on the Galileo spacecraft, utilizing advanced machine learning and data processing techniques to enhance data quality. This involved cleaning, preprocessing, and normalizing the multidimensional data to reduce noise and correct errors, ensuring more accurate analysis. Our primary focus was on detecting spectral signals that might indicate Luciferin, particularly in the spectral bands around 560-570nm, which are associated with Luciferin’s strong emission. The results were encouraging, as several points of interest showed spectral intensity consistent with the presence of this molecule. Although these findings are preliminary and require further validation, they offer promising evidence of bioluminescence on Europa. If confirmed, this discovery would significantly impact the fields of astrobiology and space exploration, providing crucial insights into the search for extraterrestrial life.

Microbial Diversity in Cold Desert Ecosystem: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Cold deserts play a unique and crucial role in the environment. Glaciers in these regions store significant amounts of freshwater, essential for ecosystems, while permafrost sequesters large quantities of carbon, preventing the release of greenhouse gases. These areas host diverse species, contributing to global biodiversity and a variety of extremophile life forms. The microbial communities in cold deserts—comprising bacteria, cyanobacteria, archaebacteria, fungi, and lichens—have adapted to harsh conditions. They maintain ecological balance by forming symbiotic interactions with plants, enhancing soil fertility, and boosting crop yields. Additionally, several microorganisms are involved in bioremediation processes. Microorganisms found in cold desert environments also serve as valuable biosignatures for detecting life, significantly advancing the field of astrobiology. This review explores the microbial diversity of cold deserts through bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software. The software identified 47 countries engaged in cold desert research, with the United States leading in the number of publications. A total of 2009 keywords were analyzed, with "bacteria (microorganisms)" being the most common. This review encompasses studies on the microbial diversity of cold deserts and their applications, highlighting crucial directions for future research

Building Identity and Community for Early Career Professionals in the Emerging Field of Astrobiology.

To support training and foster retention in the emerging field of astrobiology, NASA has funded opportunities for graduate students and early career scientists to develop a community, foster interdisciplinarity, increase confidence, and showcase career options. The design of these opportunities builds on research on factors that increase retention, including feeling competent, having autonomy and a sense of purpose, having a sense of identity, and being connected to others in the field. Findings are reported from retrospective studies of two NASA career-building opportunities, the Astrobiology Graduate Conference and the International Astrobiology Summer School held in Santander, Spain. We present evidence that attendees gain confidence by presenting to, and working with, their peers, and feel competent to express their ideas and interests and build relationships in the field that continue after the experiences. Many say that they feel less isolated and go on to present or publish with colleagues they meet. Their career options also expand by meeting potential colleagues from different disciplines. Based on the findings, participating in either of these long-running programs shows clear positive impact on early career astrobiology professionals.

Synechococcus sp. PCC7335 responses to far-red enriched spectra and anoxic/microoxic atmospheres: Potential for astrobiotechnological applications

Recently, cyanobacteria have gained attention in space exploration to support long-term crewed missions via Bioregenerative Life Support Systems. In this frame, cyanobacteria would provide biomass and profitable biomolecules through oxygenic photosynthesis, uptaking CO2, and releasing breathable O2. Their growth potential and organic matter production will depend on their ability to photoacclimate to different light intensities and spectra, maximizing incident light harvesting. Studying cyanobacteria responses to different light regimes will also benefit the broader field of astrobiology, providing data on the possibility of oxygenic photosynthetic life on planets orbiting stars with emission spectra different than the Sun. Here, we tested the acclimation and productivity of Synechococcus sp. PCC7335 (hereafter PCC7335), capable of Far-Red Light Photoacclimation (FaRLiP) and type III chromatic acclimation (CA3), in an anoxic, CO2-enriched atmosphere and under a spectrum simulating the low energetic light regime of an M-dwarf star, also comparable to a subsuperficial environment. When exposed to the light spectrum, with few photons in the visible (VIS) and rich in far-red (FR), PCC7335 did not activate FaRLiP but acclimated only via CA3, achieving a biomass productivity higher than expected, considering the low VIS light availability, and a higher production of phycocyanin, a valuable pigment, with respect to solar light. Its growth or physiological responses of PCC7335 were not affected by the anoxic atmosphere. In these conditions, PCC7335 efficiently produced O2 and scavenged CO2. Results highlight the photosynthetic plasticity of PCC7335, its suitability for astrobiotechnological applications, and the importance to investigate biodiversity of oxygenic photosynthesis for searching life beyond Earth.

Chapter 6: The Breadth and Limits of Life on Earth.

Scientific ideas about the potential existence of life elsewhere in the universe are predominantly informed by knowledge about life on Earth. Over the past ∼4 billion years, life on Earth has evolved into millions of unique species. Life now inhabits nearly every environmental niche on Earth that has been explored. Despite the wide variety of species and diverse biochemistry of modern life, many features, such as energy production mechanisms and nutrient requirements, are conserved across the Tree of Life. Such conserved features help define the operational parameters required by life and therefore help direct the exploration and evaluation of habitability in extraterrestrial environments. As new diversity in the Tree of Life continues to expand, so do the known limits of life on Earth and the range of environments considered habitable elsewhere. The metabolic processes used by organisms living on the edge of habitability provide insights into the types of environments that would be most suitable to hosting extraterrestrial life, crucial for planning and developing future astrobiology missions. This chapter will introduce readers to the breadth and limits of life on Earth and show how the study of life at the extremes can inform the broader field of astrobiology.

Chapter 1: The Astrobiology Primer 3.0.

The Astrobiology Primer 3.0 (ABP3.0) is a concise introduction to the field of astrobiology for students and others who are new to the field of astrobiology. It provides an entry into the broader materials in this supplementary issue of Astrobiology and an overview of the investigations and driving hypotheses that make up this interdisciplinary field. The content of this chapter was adapted from the other 10 articles in this supplementary issue and thus represents the contribution of all the authors who worked on these introductory articles. The content of this chapter is not exhaustive and represents the topics that the authors found to be the most important and compelling in a dynamic and changing field.

Radar Observations of Liquid Water in the South Polar Region of Mars: Indications from Astrobiology Perspectives

In recent decades, extensive research has led to the understanding that Mars once hosted substantial liquid-water reserves. While the current Martian landscape boasts significant water-ice deposits at its North and South poles, the elusive presence of liquid-water bodies has remained undetected. A breakthrough occurred with the identification of radar-echo reflections at the base of the Martian South Pole, using MARSIS (Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding) in 2018. These radar echoes strongly suggest the presence of a highly concentrated liquid-water body. However, a counter-narrative has emerged, contending that the subterranean conditions beneath the ice cap, encompassing factors like temperature and pressure, may be inhospitable to liquid water. Consequently, alternative hypotheses posit that the observed bright echoes could be attributed to conductive minerals or water-absorbing clay-like materials. The ongoing discourse regarding the presence of liquid water beneath the southern polar ice cap is a hot topic in the realm of Martian exploration. The primary focus of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of Martian radar detection, the recent controversies regarding liquid water’s existence in the Martian South Pole, and the implications regarding the potential existence of Martian life forms in the water on Mars. The revelation of liquid water on Mars fundamentally suggests an environment conducive to the viability of Martian life, consequently furnishing invaluable insights for future exploratory endeavors in the pursuit of Martian biospheres. In addition, this paper anticipates the forthcoming research dedicated to Martian liquid water and potential life forms, while also underscoring the profound significance of identifying liquid water on Mars in propelling the field of astrobiology forward.

Extremophile enzyme activity lab: using catalase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis to highlight temperature sensitivity and thermostable enzyme activity.

There are places on earth that are considered to possess extreme physico-chemical characteristics as they relate to life. Surprisingly, there are microbes that have adapted various strategies that enable them to form robust communities in these environments. The microbes that live in these environments, called extremophiles, are described as being thermophilic, psychrophilic, halophilic, acidophilic, alkaliphilic, barophilic, and so on. Given that extremophiles were not discovered until relatively recently due to a view point that the environments in which they inhabited were not conducive to life, it is reasonable to conclude that the concept of extremophiles may be hard to grasp for students. Herein is described a laboratory exercise adapted from laboratory exercises that use mesophilic catalase enzymes to illustrate the influence of physico-chemical parameters on enzyme activity. Catalase is an enzyme that accelerates the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas. In addition to mesophilic catalases, the catalase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis, a hyperthermophile with an optimal growth temperature of 90°C, is used to highlight the adaptation of an enzyme to an extreme environment. A visual comparison of bubble production by the hyperthermophilic and mesophilic enzymes after heating at high temperatures dramatically illustrates differences in thermostability that will likely reinforce concepts that are given in a pre-laboratory lecture that discusses not only the extremophiles themselves but also their applications in biotechnology and possible role in the field of astrobiology.

Is the financial resources spent in research in the field of Astrobiology justifiable?

The main idea here is to provide a reflection on whether spending financial resources for research in the field of Astrobiology is justifiable. The reason for this article is linked to the growing interest in this research program, not only by the media, but nowadays also by the scientific community through good science.The methodology to develop this article is based on the concatenation of favorable and unfavorable arguments that science practitioners provided, over time, about this research activity. The results point to the use of the principle of mediocrity by optimistic inductivists as a means of argumentation, trying to establish that the practice of this research is based on good science and justifiable. On the other hand, the group of skeptical science practitioners who contest this research argue that there is no evidence to support all the commitment, supply and expenditure of scientists' energy and time, as well as financial resources. Finally, Astrobiology is a science, and helps society by providing us with knowledge subsidies that have great potential to be explored by pharmacology, the food and agricultural industry, and bioremediation treatment of environments contaminated by oil.

Astroecology: bridging the gap between ecology and astrobiology

Abstract Although astrobiology studies how life functions and evolves, ecology is still largely overlooked in astrobiology research. Here we present an argument for astroecology, a merger of ecology and astrobiology, a self-aware scientific endeavour. Ecology is rarely mentioned in influential documents like the NASA Astrobiology Strategy (2015), and terms such as ‘niche’ can end up being used in a less precise fashion. As ecology deals with sequential levels of organization, we suggest astrobiologically-relevant problems for each of these levels. Organismal ecology provides ecological niche modelling, which can aid in evaluating the probability that Earth-like life would survive in extraterrestrial environments. Population ecology provides a gamut of models on the consequences of dispersal, and if lithopanspermia can be validated as a form of space dispersal for life, then metabiospheres and similar astrobiological models could be developed to understand such complex structure and dynamics. From community ecology, the discussion of habitability should include the concept of true vacant habitats (a misnomer, perhaps better called ‘will-dwells’) and contributions from the blossoming field of microbial ecology. Understanding ecosystems by focusing on abiotic properties is also key to extrapolating from analogue environments on Earth to extraterrestrial ones. Energy sources and their distribution are relevant for ecological gradients, such as the biodiversity latitudinal gradient – would tropics be species-rich in other inhabited planets? Finally, biosphere ecology deals with integration and feedback between living and non-living systems, which can generate stabilized near-optimal planetary conditions (Gaia); but would this work for other inhabited planets? Are there ‘strong’ (like Earth) and ‘weak’ (perhaps like Mars) biospheres? We hope to show ecology can contribute relevant ideas to the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology, helping conceptualize further levels of integration. We encourage new partnerships and for astrobiologists to take ecology into account when studying the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe.

Glacial secrets uncovered: Revealing the modes of survival of metabolically active microbial communities entrapped in polar glacial ice

Glacial secrets uncovered: Revealing the modes of survival of metabolically active microbial communities entrapped in polar glacial ice

Development of Sensitive Methods for the Detection of Minimum Concentrations of DNA on Martian Soil Simulants.

Several methods used for the quantification of DNA are based on UV absorbance or the fluorescence of complexes with intercalator dyes. Most of these intercalators are used in gels to visualize DNA and its structural integrity. Due to many extraterrestrial samples, such as meteorites or comets, which are likely to contain very small amounts of biological material, and because the ability to detect this material is crucial for understanding the origin and evolution of life in the universe, the development of assays that can detect DNA at low limits and withstand the rigors of space exploration is a pressing need in the field of astrobiology. In this study, we present a comparison of optimized protocols used for the fast and accurate quantification of DNA using common intercalator dyes. The sensitivity of assays exceeded that generated by any commercial kit and allowed for the accurate quantification of minimum concentrations of DNA. The methods were successful when applied to the detection and measurement of DNA spiked on soil samples. Furthermore, the impact of UV radiation as a harsh condition on the surface of Mars was assessed by DNA degradation and this was also confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Overall, the methods described provide economical, simple-step, and efficient approaches for the detection of DNA and can be used in future planetary exploration missions as tests used for the extraction of nucleic acid biosignatures.

Unusual 13C depletion in the central carbon of propane in the gases of Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin

Abiotically synthesized hydrocarbons are significant in the fields of astrobiology, biosphere, energy, environment, and geology. Abiotic hydrocarbons have never been unambiguously proven to occur in common sediments partly because identifying these components in crustal settings is challenging as they share similar characteristics with hydrocarbons of biotic origin. In this study, we measured intramolecular carbon isotopes of 10 propane samples from Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin, China, and found distinct 13C-depletion in the central position carbon with its δ13C decreased by −8.0 to −7.0‰ (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite) with respect to terminal carbons. The δ13C value of central carbon (H3C–#CH2-CH3) in propane is equal to the second methyl (H3C–#CH3) in ethane possibly resulting from surface catalytic polymerization reactions of methane. Our novel findings indicate that the abiotic synthesis of C2+ hydrocarbons by the surface catalyzed polymerization of methane occurs in commercial gas reservoirs and suggest that this process may be more common than previously thought in methane-rich scenarios on Earth and other planets.

Jack Dwayne Farmer April 18, 1947-February 22, 2023.

Jack Dwayne Farmer April 18, 1947-February 22, 2023.

An Overview of Lipid Biomarkers in Terrestrial Extreme Environments with Relevance for Mars Exploration.

Lipid molecules are organic compounds, insoluble in water, and based on carbon-carbon chains that form an integral part of biological cell membranes. As such, lipids are ubiquitous in life on Earth, which is why they are considered useful biomarkers for life detection in terrestrial environments. These molecules display effective membrane-forming properties even under geochemically hostile conditions that challenge most of microbial life, which grants lipids a universal biomarker character suitable for life detection beyond Earth, where a putative biological membrane would also be required. What discriminates lipids from nucleic acids or proteins is their capacity to retain diagnostic information about their biological source in their recalcitrant hydrocarbon skeletons for thousands of millions of years, which is indispensable in the field of astrobiology given the time span that the geological ages of planetary bodies encompass. This work gathers studies that have employed lipid biomarker approaches for paleoenvironmental surveys and life detection purposes in terrestrial environments with extreme conditions: hydrothermal, hyperarid, hypersaline, and highly acidic, among others; all of which are analogous to current or past conditions on Mars. Although some of the compounds discussed in this review may be abiotically synthesized, we focus on those with a biological origin, namely lipid biomarkers. Therefore, along with appropriate complementary techniques such as bulk and compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis, this work recapitulates and reevaluates the potential of lipid biomarkers as an additional, powerful tool to interrogate whether there is life on Mars, or if there ever was.

Astrobiology in Space: A Comprehensive Look at the Solar System.

The field of astrobiology aims to understand the origin of life on Earth and searches for evidence of life beyond our planet. Although there is agreement on some of the requirements for life on Earth, the exact process by which life emerged from prebiotic conditions is still uncertain, leading to various theories. In order to expand our knowledge of life and our place in the universe, scientists look for signs of life through the use of biosignatures, observations that suggest the presence of past or present life. These biosignatures often require up-close investigation by orbiters and landers, which have been employed in various space missions. Mars, because of its proximity and Earth-like environment, has received the most attention and has been explored using (sub)surface sampling and analysis. Despite its inhospitable surface conditions, Venus has also been the subject of space missions due to the presence of potentially habitable conditions in its atmosphere. In addition, the discovery of habitable environments on icy moons has sparked interest in further study. This article provides an overview of the origin of life on Earth and the astrobiology studies carried out by orbiters and landers.

Philosophical and Scientific Implications of Astrobiology and Palaeontology in the Light of Hypothesising the Existence of Intelligent Pre-human Civilisations on Earth: Empiricist, Rationalist, and Positivist Approaches

In this paper, the scientific and philosophical implications of the theory that suggests the existence of an intelligent civilisation on Earth prior to mankind is discussed. All available scientific evidence which would constrain such theory is brought into discussion. Therefore, we first review the Drake Equation regarding this hypothesis. We summarily appraise the Shadow Biosphere within the scope of the theory. Subsequently, we thoroughly analyse important geochemical and sedimentological constraints of the proposal, mainly in the context of some Fossillagerstätten. This leads us to discuss the philosophical implications this theory may have for the fields of Astrobiology and Palaeontology, analysing them under empiricist, rationalist, and positivist approaches. We contextually examine the concepts of technological species, intelligence, and industrialisation, taking into account the scope of the theory. Furthermore, we debate on the validity of this hypothesis, considering all constraints it presents regarding the analysed concepts. Finally, we propose to appraise the hypothesis under an epistemological/positivist point of view.

A philosophical perspective about the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the Universe

AbstractThe main idea is to present the general aspects of the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the Universe from a Philosophy of Science perspective. The methodology used to develop this paper was through the intersection of favourable and unfavourable arguments from practitioners of science in the field of modern Astrobiology. The results were quite interesting and the historical crossover between the different arguments provides a great perspective on the research programme for the search for extraterrestrial life. Finally, although there is in fact no evidence that extraterrestrial life exists, the search for extraterrestrial life should not be considered as mere speculation. In the end, there are increasing indications that something extraordinary may be about to be found, whether on Mars, Europa, Enceladus or on some exoplanet.

Interview with Dr. Shirin Haque, Astronomer and National Outreach Coordinator (IAU) University of the West Indies, Dept of Physics, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago

Dr Shirin Haque was born in the village of Patna, India and came to Trinidad at the age of seven without being able to speak English and having no formal education. Dr Haque has pioneered the cutting-edge field of Astrobiology at the University of the West Indies and was interviewed by the BBC for a feature Science in Action for the research on the Pitch Lake, the largest natural hydrocarbon lake in the world. She is the founding member of CARINA (Caribbean Institute of Astronomy) and the founder/CEO of W.I.S.H. (Women In Science for Hope) Foundation. She holds numerous teaching and research awards regionally and internationally. She has also distinguished herself as a film producer with three science documentaries. She has hosted and produced two television series “Exploring our place in the Universe with Dr. Shirin Haque” and “Full S-T-E-A-M Ahead!” She is currently the editor of the magazine “The Intellectual – Art, Science and Architecture”. Her Honours and Awards corresponds to: • Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology 2020• CARICOM Science Award 2018 – first female recipient• Outstanding women of UWI Award – 2018 • Rudranath Capildeo Award for Applied Science and Technology - 2013• “Women in Science and Technology” medal award from NIHERST - 2011• Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching 2005 - UWI• Distinguished Teacher award from Association of Atlantic Universities - 2004• UWI/ Guardian Life premium teaching award - 2002• “The Most Outstanding Thesis Award, 1997 and 1998” UWI (PhD)• Program Director for the NINE hub programme for the Caribbean through for the National Science foundation and NRAO.

The Effects of Cosmic and Ultraviolet Rays on Yeast and Seeds

Cosmic and ultraviolet rays are pervasive and often difficult to avoid, for atmospheric pollution has caused an increase in harmful radiation reaching the Earth's surface due to the rapid depletion of the ozone layer. Because the deterioration of the ozone layer is a recent phenomenon, it is important to understand the rays’ effects on the DNA of organisms. It is also an area of interest in the field of astrobiology as humans begin to consider the possibility of long-term exposure of crops to these types of radiation in prolonged space travel. The Bioballoon project, described in this paper, was a payload for a weather balloon built to expose samples of yeast and seeds to cosmic and ultraviolet rays in the middle to upper stratosphere. After plating the yeast and planting the seeds, it was found that although cosmic and UV radiation appeared to induce mutations in yeast genes, they do not produce significant phenotypic differences in plants.