mirs projects 2012

7/30/2019 MIRS Projects 2012

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Some Selected Astrobiology Opportunities

Biology/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Chemisty

1. Alfonso F. Davila, NASA Ames Research CenterThe goal of this project is to understand the survival mechanism of

cyanobacteria inhabiting the interior of halite pinnacles in the Yungay regionof the Atacama Desert, Chile. The Yungay region is so inhospitable that even

the organisms better adapted to water s tress are absent. For decades it wasthought that life was not possible in this region. The discovery of endolithiccolonies of cyanobacteria inside halite pinnacles was a surprise. The

pinnacles form at the edges of desiccation polygons. At their centers, thepolygons contain a mixture of halite, sand and other debris, are very hard,

non-porous, and opaque, whereas the pinnacles are almost pure halite,porous and translucent. We think that the particular properties of thepinnacles allow for life to exist. We hypothesize that the colonization of the

pinnacles is primarily due to a property of halite named deliquescence.Deliquescence is the spontaneous condensation of liquid water on a mineral,

when relative humidity (RH) reaches a critical value. As RH increases, watervapor diffuses into the pinnacle and on reaching 75%, deliquescence causeswater vapor to condense in the pore space. This forms microscopic brines

inside the pinnacles, in which the cyanobacteria can thrive. In essence, haliteconverts vapor into liquid water, which cyanobacteria can use. To test thishypothesis we will measure the photosynthetic activity continuously along RH

cycles, by chlorophyll fluorescence using Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM)fluorometry. We predict that cyanobacteria will start to photosynthesize at

RH=75%, the deliquescence point. [[email protected]]

2. George Fox, University of HoustonThe Fox laboratory is conducting astrobiology research in two primary areas.

The first is the origin and evolution of the protein synthesis machinery, whoseorigins likely predate the last universal common ancestor of life as we know it.To accomplish this we are using structural data and gene sequence data to

identify timing events that can be used to build a roadmap of the likely historyof the ribosome. The second area of interest is genomic adaptation of

bacteria. Genomic data has been collected for a number of strains ofBacillusand E. coliby NextGen sequencing methods (Solexa). Our studies arefocused on organisms that have been exposed to the space environment onthe International Space Station, organisms adapted to UV and microgravityon the Earth, and organisms isolated from the Cuatro Cienegas Valley in

Coahuila, Mexico. The ability of these organisms to adapt to variousenvironments such as high levels of radiation impacts requirements forplanetary protection, the possibility of organisms being transported between

Earth and Mars by natural means, and the ability of organisms in general tosurvive extreme environments of various types. In order to effectively


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participate in one or both of these ongoing projects, the individual shouldhave expertise in the use of bioinformatics tools for comparing genomes as

well as individual genes. Of special interest is knowledge of how to distinguishlikely adaptation from random change. [[email protected]]

3. Steve Freeland, U HawaiiWe research the origin and evolution of the genetic code. We use computers

(bioinformatics, chemoinformatics and straightforward, simple programming)to test hypotheses about (i) the origin and evolution of the amino acid

"alphabet"; (ii) the relationship between amino acids and protein structures,(iii) the distribution of amino acid "meanings" to genetic code-words (codons)and (iv) the effect of different genetic codes on the evolution of protein-coding

genes.

Current, specific projects include (a) the reconstruction of ancient metabolicpathways of amino acid biosynthesis, (b) the use of simplified amino acid

alphabets to build protein folds; and (c) generating a "chemistry space" ofplausible amino acids that life does NOT use. [ [email protected]]

4. Ram Krishnamurthy, The Scripps Research Institute

Exploring reactions of small organic molecules, via alternative chemistries, ingiving rise to building blocks which are considered to be of biogenic relevance

(within the context of prebiotic chemistry). A general overview of the researchin our group can be obtained athttp://www.scripps.edu/krishnamurthy/research.html,

5. Jenn Macalady, Penn State UniversityResearch in the Macalady Lab focuses on the microbiology of extremeenvironments analogous to ancient earth or extraterrestrial planets.

Experience with geochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology methods isdesirable. Archived microbial samples collected in caves (Caribbean, Italy)

and acid mine drainage environments (Pennsylvania, Spain) may be availablefor MIRS projects. Involvement in fieldwork at Pennsylvania acid minedrainage site is a lso possible. [[email protected]]

6. Henry Sun, Desert Research InstituteAt the Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, Dr. Henry Suns work tests aMars life-detection method. When offered both D- and L-amino acids, a

biologically active planet will choose only one, either D or L, for consumption,whereas a chemically reactive planet will consume both enantiomers. The

Viking mission showed that Mars soils can degrade a nutrient broth to carbondioxide. The new method is more stringent and will determine if the reactivity
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/[email protected]://www.scripps.edu/krishnamurthy/research.htmlhttp://www.scripps.edu/krishnamurthy/research.htmlhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/[email protected]


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is caused by indigenous bacteria or by photochemical oxidants.

A college degree in microbiology is essential. Working knowledge inanalytical chemistry, especially liquid chromatography, is a p lus.

[[email protected]]

7. Ann Pearson, Harvard University

The faculty member would participate in research about the marine nitrogencycle. He or she either would already be or would become an expert in

culturing Cyanobacteria under a variety of growth conditions and nitrogensubstrates. The analytical measurements would involve isolation ofchlorophyll, chemical extraction of nitrogen from the pure chlorophyll, and

finally stable isotope analysis of that nitrogen. The goal of the project wouldbe to increase our understanding of factors that affect the natural distribution

of nitrogen isotopes, and how that relates to the physiology of the species.Applications of these methods to on-going oceanographic projects also may

be possible. [[email protected]]

8. Eric Roden, University of Wisconsin-MadisonPhysiology and ecology of anaerobic and lithotrophic bacteria; role o fmicrobial processes in geochemical cycling (biogeochemistry), specifically the

redox cycling of iron and its influence on the behavior of the stable isotopes ofiron; numerical modeling of biogeochemical processes.

[[email protected]]

9. Peter Weber, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryResearch in the field of astrobiology in the context of our group could be on

microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Thework here is primarily centered on microanalysis. Our laboratory specializesin high resolution isotopic and trace element analyses using secondary ion

mass spectrometry. We have a Cameca NanoSIMS 50, capable of 50nanometer spatial resolution, and a Cameca ims-3f SIMS instrument for more

standard ion microprobe analyses. We also have a variety of electron andlight microscopes. In the context of microbial ecology, we have the capabilityto perform complimentary molecular analyses and labeling, as well as

microarray work. We would be particularly interested in working with achemist or biochemist on metal co-factors in enzymes. [[email protected]]

Astronomy/Planetary Science/Astrochemistry/Astrophysics

10. Pascale Ehrenfreund, George Washington University
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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The Ehrenfreund group is focused on space policy and international spaceexploration. Topics include interstellar and planetary chemistry with a current

main emphasis on investigation of organic molecules in comets, meteorites andon planetary surfaces. Other research projects are the development of

instrumentation for life detection on Mars (Exomars 2013). [[email protected]]

11. Nader Haghighipour, U HawaiiThe focus of Dr. Haghighipous research is the detection of extrasolar planets,and modeling their formation, characterization, and dynamical evolution. The

focus of the research would be on detecting habitable planets around other stars.However, other planets, such as gas-giants, are also studied. The theoreticalaspects of the research will require some familiarity with computer programming.

Samples will need to be prepared as one-inch-round polished sections or thinsections and must be meticulously documented so that we know where to

measure and can interpret the results. [[email protected]]

12. Gary Huss, U HawaiiThe W. M. Keck ion microprobe laboratory consists of a Cameca ims 1280 ion

microprobe and supporting SEM and Raman spectrometer. We make in situisotopic measurements of many elements in extraterrestrial materials whileretaining the petrographic context of the samples. Well-developed protocols are

available for H, C, N, O, and Mg isotopes and we have measured a variety ofother elements as well. We can also make trace-element measurements.

The participating faculty member must have a well-thought-out research programthat uses the unique capabilities of the ion probe. Samples will need to be

prepared as one-inch-round polished sections or thin sections and must bemeticulously documented so that we know where to measure and can interpret

the results.

13. Wayne Roberge, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteThermal Processing in the Early Solar System

Roberge's group studies physical processes that may have heated prebioticmaterials in the early solar system. These materials include ices and refractorymatter that were subsequently incorporated in comets and asteroids. The

processes include transient heating in shock waves and a new "electrodynamic"heating mechanism recently discovered by Roberge and grad student Raymond

Menzel.

Skills required: Familiarity with magnetohydodynamics and numerical methods

for solving partial differential equations. [[email protected]]

14. Norbert Schorghofer, U Hawaii


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Topics of investigation in the Schorghofer group include:

(i) Mars image analysis (research on slope streak activity on Mars)

(ii) Survey of permafrost on the Hawaiian Islands (includes fieldwork and/or

meteorological modeling)

(iii) Mars climate modeling (involves model development and application to theMars Phoenix Landing site)

(iv) GPU computing for lunar thermal model (involves programming for high-performance computations). [[email protected]]

Geology/Geochemistry/Geobiochemistry

15. Ariel Anbar, Arizona State University

Research in the Anbar group focuses on the abundances and isotopecompositions of metals in natural materials to address a range of topics,particularly the environment of the ancient Earth. Experience with laboratory

chemistry or geology is desirable. MIRS projects may involve analysis ofsedimentary rocks from the Precambrian to understand changes in the oxygencontent of Earth's atmosphere and oceans, but other projects are also possible

including projects tied to the study of metals in microbial communities fromlaboratory experiments or field sites. [[email protected]]

16. Brian Beard, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Research interests in isotope geochemistry include development of new stableisotope systems such as Ca, Mg, and Fe. Geochronology and petrogenesis of

Martian igneous rocks and this work is being pursued by analysis of SNC groupmeteorites. Development of new instrumentation to conduct remote isotopeanalysis on Mars. [[email protected]]

17. Sam Bowring, MITThe Bowring lab at MIT concentrates on high-precision U-Pb geochronology inaccessory minerals with a special interest in dating volcanic ash beds

interlayered with fossil bearing rocks. In addition we do Sr and Nd isotopic

studies as proxies for ancient seawater chemistry and global correlations.Experience with isotope geochemistry would be desirable but we could work withanyone who works hard and is highly motivated. [[email protected]]

18. Susan Brantley, Penn State UniversitySusan L. Brantley, Professor of Geosciences, investigates chemical, biological,

and physical processes associated with the circulation of aqueous fluids inshallow hydrogeologic settings. Investigations incorporate field and laboratory


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work, and theoretical modelling of observations. Of particular interest arequestions concerning the measurement and prediction of the rates of natural

processes, including chemical weathering with and without microorganisms.Recent work has focused on the effect of microbial life on mineral reactivity, and

measuring and modelling how rock turns into regolith.

Ongoing projects that present opportunities for visiting faculty research includeinvestigations of weathering processes in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical

Zone Observatory and the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory, Fe release andisotope fractionation during microbial alteration and weathering of shales,granites, and basalts, neutron scattering analyses of weathering rocks, and

reactive transport modelling of weathering. [[email protected]]

19. Max Coleman, NASA-JPLWork on a range of mineral biosignatures: mineral chemical, isotopic and

structural characteristics resulting from microbiological activity. Evaporitedeposits are another focus of interest since they are of aqueous origin and thus

potentially habitable while the same geochemical characteristics give quantitativeinformation on paleoenvironmental conditions. [[email protected]]

20. Sandy Dasgupta, U Texas, ArlingtonThe NASA Astobiology program is increasingly interested in performing in -situ

wet analysis of extraterrestrial analog soils, as few molecules/ions of biologicalinterest can successfully be put intact to the gas phase. We are developingeasily deployable miniature solution phase analysis techniques, especially liquid

and ion chromatographic techniques that will meet the needs for such an

institution. [[email protected]]

21. Clark Johnson, University of Wisconsin-MadisonInterests include application of stable (C, S, Mg, Ca, and Fe) and radiogenic (Rb-

Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, and U-Th-Pb) isotope geochemistry to determining ancientpaleoenvironments and the evolution of microbial metabolisms in the

Precambrian Earth and on Mars. [[email protected]]

22. Lee Kump, Penn State UniversityFayetteville Green Lake is an unusual lake. It is permanently stratified, with

oxygenated surface waters and anoxic/sulfidic deep waters. The chemoclineseparating the two is host to an unusual, structured, anoxygenic phototrophic

community. The lake serves as a modern analogue for ancient oceans in thePrecambrian and during the end-Permian mass extinction.

We are investigating ecosystem dynamics in the chemocline, performing adisruption experiment wherein the chemocline is instantaneously destroyed, and

then allowed to restructure itself. This is a biogeochemical study, with a focus on


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pigments, nutrients, trace metals, and phototrophic community structure. Therewill be monthly field trips and laboratory analyses. [[email protected]]

23. Lisa Pratt, Indiana University

Using deeply eroded Paleoproterozoic bedrock in southwestern Greenland as an

analogue for Mars, a team of scientists from Indiana University, PrincetonUniversity, Goddard Space Flight Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and

Honey Bee Robotics is participating in a three-year field campaign to analyzeseasonal and diurnal variation in concentration and isotopic composition of

methane, ethane, and hydrogen sulfide in bedrock boreholes (0.5 to 2 m depth)and soil pipe wells (1 to 1.5 m depth) intersecting permafrost environmentsacross a study site of about 1 km2. The team is conducting a wide range of

instrumented environmental measurements (pH, salinity, and temperature inlakes) and atmospheric measurements (open-path laser and cavity-ring down for

methane concentration and isotopic signatures) and are collecting samples toreturn to the US for laboratory study (lake water, lake sediment, gas bubbles, soil

gas). They will provide all necessary training in the course of the field work. Arequirement is for the Fellow to be physically fit and comfortable in a remotesetting. [[email protected]]

24. Christopher Romanek, University of KentuckyResearch specialty is low-temperature and aqueous geochemistry. Current work

centers on developing a better understanding of the factors that control the traceelement and stable isotope compositions of carbonate minerals. Through the

controlled growth of carbonate minerals in the laboratory, inferences may bemade regarding the environmental conditions and processes that lead to theformation of carbonate minerals on other planetary bodies such as Mars.

[[email protected]]

25. Nita Sahai, University of AkronInterfacial biogeochemistry, which focuses on the interactions of organic

molecules and cells at mineral surfaces on the molecular- and nano-scale, inprocesses of relevance to prebiotic chemistry, origin and early evolution of cell,

bone and teeth mineralization, biomimetic materials chemistry, and orthopedicbioceramics. Approach uses a variety of chemical, biomolecular, cellular, andcomputational tools to understand these processes in solution and at the mineral-

water interface. [[email protected]]

26. Mahadeva Sinha, NASA-JPLDevelopment of new instrumentation and methodology for in situ age

determinations of extraterrestrial rocks on rover-based missions, via laserablation (LA) coupled to a JPL-developed miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) of

focal plane geometry. [[email protected]]


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27. John Valley, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Determining the surface conditions of the ancient Earth (up to 4.4. b.y. ago)through studies of the oldest terrestrial zircons using light stable isotopes such as

Li and O; determining the genesis and biogenicity of proposed Archean

microfossils and host cherts through O, C, S , and Si isotope studies; developingnew insights into the fine-scale isotopic variability of ancient samples using the

new Wisc-SIMS ion microprobe facility. [[email protected]]

28. Huifang Xu, University of Wisconsin-MadisonRoles of microbes and bio-molecules in controlling crystal shapes, structures,

compositions, textures and interface structures of minerals using X-ray diffractionand atomic-resolution scanning-transmission electron microscopy.

[[email protected]]

mirs projects 2012

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