scholarly journals Deep Microbial Colonization in Saponite-Bearing Fractures in Aged Basaltic Crust: Implications for Subsurface Life on Mars

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Sueoka ◽  
Seiya Yamashita ◽  
Mariko Kouduka ◽  
Yohey Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Life On Mars ◽  
Basaltic Crust

Microbial colonization in impact-generated hydrothermal sulphate deposits, Haughton impact structure, and implications for sulphates on Mars

2004 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Parnell ◽  
P. Lee ◽  
C.S. Cockell ◽  
G.R. Osinski
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Impact Structure ◽  
Martian Surface ◽  
Relative Ease ◽  
Devon Island ◽  
Life On Mars ◽  
A Priority ◽  
Additional Space

Hydrothermal gypsum deposits in the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada, contain microbial communities in an endolithic habitat within individual gypsum crystals. Cyanobacterial colonies occur as masses along cleavage planes, up to 5 cm from crystal margins. The crystals are transparent, so allow transmission of light for photosynthesis, while affording protection from dehydration and wind. The colonies appear to have modified their mineral host to provide additional space as they expanded. The colonies are black due to UV-screening pigments. The relative ease with which microbial colonization may be detected and identified in impact-generated sulphate deposits at Haughton suggests that analogous settings on other planets might merit future searches for biosignatures. The proven occurrence of sulphates on the Martian surface suggests that sulphate minerals should be a priority target in the search for life on Mars.

scholarly journals Microbial colonization of halite from the hyper-arid Atacama Desert studied by Raman spectroscopy

2010 ◽  
Vol 368 (1922) ◽  
pp. 3205-3221 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Vítek ◽  
H. G. M. Edwards ◽  
J. Jehlička ◽  
C. Ascaso ◽  
A. De Los Ríos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Atacama Desert ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Microbial Life ◽  
Spectral Signatures ◽  
Arid Conditions ◽  
Life On Mars ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Non Destructive

The hyper-arid core of the Atacama Desert (Chile) is the driest place on Earth and is considered a close analogue to the extremely arid conditions on the surface of Mars. Microbial life is very rare in soils of this hyper-arid region, and autotrophic micro-organisms are virtually absent. Instead, photosynthetic micro-organisms have successfully colonized the interior of halite crusts, which are widespread in the Atacama Desert. These endoevaporitic colonies are an example of life that has adapted to the extreme dryness by colonizing the interior of rocks that provide enhanced moisture conditions. As such, these colonies represent a novel example of potential life on Mars. Here, we present non-destructive Raman spectroscopical identification of these colonies and their organic remnants. Spectral signatures revealed the presence of UV-protective biomolecules as well as light-harvesting pigments pointing to photosynthetic activity. Compounds of biogenic origin identified within these rocks differed depending on the origins of specimens from particular areas in the desert, with differing environmental conditions. Our results also demonstrate the capability of Raman spectroscopy to identify biomarkers within rocks that have a strong astrobiological potential.

Microbial colonization of Ca-sulfate crusts in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert: implications for the search for life on Mars

Geobiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. WIERZCHOS ◽  
B. CÁMARA ◽  
A. DE LOS RÍOS ◽  
A. F. DAVILA ◽  
I. M. SÁNCHEZ ALMAZO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atacama Desert ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Life On Mars

Aviation and the Microbiome

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 651-661
Author(s):  
Joshua T. Davis ◽  
Hilary A. Uyhelji
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Aviation Safety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aerospace Medicine ◽  
Medical Certification ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally. Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document