Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:01:30 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/ Astrobiology News en-us http://astrobio.net/news/images/logo.gif http://astrobio.net/news/ sumeet@asrlab.org http://astrobio.net/news/Article2863.html A new computational method for tracing the evolution of proteins may help scientists determine how life on Earth began…and solve the question of whether or not viruses developed before living cells. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:01:30 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2862.html When the sun was young, it didn't produce enough heat to unfreeze ice on our planet. So why was the early Earth covered in liquid water and not ice? Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:01:03 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2861.html Yellowstone is known for its hot springs and geysers, and the unique forms of life that inhabit them. Scientists are now learning more about the mysterious 'supervolcano' that powers these environments, and whether or not the giant could erupt again. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:48:51 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2860.html Using satellite observations, scientists have discovered why the Earth is constantly leaking oxygen into space. The finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind oxygen loss on our planet. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:01:19 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2859.html New from the Nordic issue of Astrobiology Magazine, European Edition: An interview with Hans Amundsen, the expedition leader of AMASE (Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition). AMASE scientists travel to a group of islands in the High Arctic in order to conduct Mars-related field research. Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:01:04 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2858.html A year after descending into Victoria crater, NASA's Mars Exploration rover Opportunity is heading back out. Opportunity will now continue making important scientific observations on the martian plains. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:01:31 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2857.html In sequencing the genome of a primitive animal, scientists are gaining new insights into the tree of life. Even though it’s a simple animal, Trichoplax adhaerens has a complex set of genes and may signify a branching point in animal evolution. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2856.html Researchers are using images of solar system bodies in different lighting conditions to produce high-resolution topographical maps of locations like asteroids. The maps could help in exploration and the search for life in the solar system. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:02:07 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2855.html A new method of exploring thick icy sheets and what lies below them has been devised. Combining a drill and a melting tip, this probe is particularly useful for exploring icy locations such as the polar caps of Mars and Jupiter’s moon Europa. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:01:07 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2854.html NASA's Cassini spacecraft has pinpointed where Enceladus' icy jets erupt from at the moon's surface. The new images may help reveal what type of environment exists on the moon, and whether or not Enceladus could be a habitat for life. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:02:07 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2853.html NASA's Phoenix lander has taken the first image of martian dust under a microscope. The technology will help scientists determine if Mars is, or ever was suitable for life. The achievement also highlights the capabilities of robotic microscopy on another planet. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2852.html New from the Nordic issue of Astrobiology Magazine, European Edition: Just as stained glass windows that decorate the world’s most beautiful cathedrals depict stories, ancient life may have its own tales to tell in glass. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:01:15 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2851.html In addition to the physical dangers of exploring the moon and Mars, future human explorers will also need to overcome many psychological challenges in order for long duration missions to be successful. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:01:12 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2850.html The majority of asteroids that pass near the Earth have a different composition than most of the meteorites that actually hit our planet. Astronomers now think they may have figured out why this is the case. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:02:59 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2849.html Scientists responsible for NASA's Phoenix mission were surprised to find the chemical compound perchlorate in the soil at the spacecraft's landing site. On Earth, perchlorate is commonly associated with liquid water. On Mars, however, the implication is not so clear. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:02:09 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2848.html Life-searching instruments are being tested in Rio Tinto, ready to be used as part of an upcoming mission to Mars. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:02:44 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2847.html A new free-swimming robot has completed a 3.1-mile-deep trek beneath the ocean. The robot opens new possibilities for exploring the deep sea and discovering unique habitats for life. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:01:07 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2846.html Human activities are having disastrous effects on the health of the world's oceans according to a new prognosis. Factors such as overfishing and climate change must be addressed in order to ensure the future health of one of our planet's most important biological resources. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:01:05 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2845.html Brimming with new interviews, stories and essays, the Summer 2008 issue of AMEE focuses on the Nordic community's contributions to astrobiology. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:01:01 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2844.html Scientists recently gathered to debate the recent IAU decision to demote Pluto from 'planet' status. Pluto may be small, but objects like Pluto still undergo important geophysical processes that can teach us about planetary formation. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:52 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2843.html New studies show that temperature, not productivity, drives bacterial diversity. The finding is changing our understanding about the conditions that affect how organisms inhabit specific environments. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:01:02 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2842.html Layers of clay have been discovered in the martian highlands using the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data indicates that liquid water was once widespread on early Mars. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:01:38 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2841.html Reactions between organic compounds in Titan’s atmosphere and water on the surface may create complex molecules similar to those on the early Earth. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:01:19 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2840.html New research is providing clues about the potential for life on Europa. By studying Europa's surface, scientists hope to determine the best places to search for life and whether or not the moon is geologically active. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:01:23 -0700 http://astrobio.net/news/Article2839.html Scientists have discovered that water, a molecule essential for life as we know it, is not as well understood as we thought. The study adds to our understanding of water's role in the origin and survival of life on Earth. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:01:02 -0700