Some Selected Astrobiology Opportunities

Biology/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Chemisty
1. Alfonso F. Davila, NASA Ames Research Center The goal of this project is to understand the survival mechanism of cyanobacteria inhabiting the interior of halite pinnacles in the Yungay region of the Atacama Desert, Chile. The Yungay region is so inhospitable that even the organisms better adapted to water stress are absent. For decades it was thought that life was not possible in this region. The discovery of endolithic colonies of cyanobacteria inside halite pinnacles was a surprise. The pinnacles form at the edges of desiccation polygons. At their centers, the polygons 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 the pinnacles 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, water vapor diffuses into the pinnacle and on reaching 75%, deliquescence causes water vapor to condense in the pore space. This forms microscopic brines inside the pinnacles, in which the cyanobacteria can thrive. In essence, halite converts vapor into liquid water, which cyanobacteria can use. To test this hypothesis 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. [adavila@seti.org]

2. George Fox, University of Houston The Fox laboratory is conducting astrobiology research in two primary areas. The first is the origin and evolution of the protein synthesis machinery, whose origins 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 history of the ribosome. The second area of interest is genomic adaptation of bacteria. Genomic data has been collected for a number of strains of Bacillus and E. coli by NextGen sequencing methods (Solexa). Our studies are focused on organisms that have been exposed to the space environment on the International Space Station, organisms adapted to UV and microgravity on the Earth, and organisms isolated from the Cuatro Cienegas Valley in Coahuila, Mexico. The ability of these organisms to adapt to various environments such as high levels of radiation impacts requirements for planetary protection, the possibility of organisms being transported between Earth and Mars by natural means, and the ability of organisms in general to survive extreme environments of various types. In order to effectively 1

participate in one or both of these ongoing projects, the individual should have expertise in the use of bioinformatics tools for comparing genomes as well as individual genes. Of special interest is knowledge of how to distinguish likely adaptation from random change. [fox@uh.edu] 3. Steve Freeland, U Hawaii We 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 metabolic pathways of amino acid biosynthesis, (b) the use of simplified amino acid alphabets to build protein folds; and (c) generating a "chemistry space" of plausible amino acids that life does NOT use. [freeland@ifa.hawaii.edu]

4. Ram Krishnamurthy, The Scripps Research Institute Exploring reactions of small organic molecules, via alternative chemistries, in giving rise to building blocks which are considered to be of biogenic relevance (within the context of prebiotic chemistry). A general overview of the research in our group can be obtained at http://www.scripps.edu/krishnamurthy/research.html, <rkrishna@scripps.edu>

5. Jenn Macalady, Penn State University Research in the Macalady Lab focuses on the microbiology of extreme environments analogous to ancient earth or extraterrestrial planets. Experience with geochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology methods is desirable. Archived microbial samples collected in caves (Caribbean, Italy) and acid mine drainage environments (Pennsylvania, Spain) may be available for MIRS projects. Involvement in fieldwork at Pennsylvania acid mine drainage site is also possible. [jlm80@psu.edu]

6. Henry Sun, Desert Research Institute At the Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, Dr. He nry Suns work tests a Mars 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 carbon dioxide. The new method is more stringent and will determine if the reactivity

is caused by indigenous bacteria or by photochemical oxidants. A college degree in microbiology is essential. Working knowledge in analytical chemistry, especially liquid chromatography, is a plus. [Henry.Sun@dri.edu] 7. Ann Pearson, Harvard University The faculty member would participate in research about the marine nitrogen cycle. He or she either would already be or would become an expert in culturing Cyanobacteria under a variety of growth conditions and nitrogen substrates. The analytical measurements would involve isolation of chlorophyll, chemical extraction of nitrogen from the pure chlorophyll, and finally stable isotope analysis of that nitrogen. The goal of the project would be 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. [pearson2@fas.harvard.edu]

8. Eric Roden, University of Wisconsin-Madison Physiology and ecology of anaerobic and lithotrophic bacteria; role o f microbial processes in geochemical cycling (biogeochemistry), specifically the redox cycling of iron and its influence on the behavior of the stable isotopes of iron; numerical modeling of biogeochemical processes. [eroden@geology.wisc.edu]

9. Peter Weber, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Research in the field of astrobiology in the context of our group could be on microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, geochemistry and cosmochemistry. The work here is primarily centered on microanalysis. Our laboratory specializes in high resolution isotopic and trace element analyses using secondary ion mass spectrometry. We have a Cameca NanoSIMS 50, capable of 50 nanometer spatial resolution, and a Cameca ims-3f SIMS instrument for more standard ion microprobe analyses. We also have a variety of electron and light microscopes. In the context of microbial ecology, we have the capability to perform complimentary molecular analyses and labeling, as well as microarray work. We would be particularly interested in working with a chemist or biochemist on metal co-factors in enzymes. [weber21@llnl.gov]

Astronomy/Planetary Science/Astrochemistry/Astrophysics

10. Pascale Ehrenfreund, George Washington University

The Ehrenfreund group is focused on space policy and international space exploration. Topics include i nterstellar and planetary chemistry with a current main emphasis on investigation of organic molecules in comets, meteorites and on planetary surfaces. Other research projects are the development of instrumentation for life detection on Mars (Exomars 2013). [pehren@gwu.edu] 11. Nader Haghighipour, U Hawaii The 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 theoretical aspects of the research will require some familiarity with computer programming. Samples will need to be prepared as one-inch-round polished sections or thin sections and must be meticulously documented so that we know where to measure and can interpret the results. [naderh@hawaii.edu]

12. Gary Huss, U Hawaii The W. M. Keck ion microprobe laboratory consists of a Cameca ims 1280 ion microprobe and supporting SEM and Raman spectrometer. We make in situ isotopic measurements of many elements in extraterrestrial materials while retaining 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 of other elements as well. We can also make trace-element measurements. The participating faculty member must have a well-thought-out research program that 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 be meticulously documented so that we know where to measure and can interpret the results.

13. Wayne Roberge, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Thermal Processing in the Early Solar System Roberge's group studies physical processes that may have heated prebiotic materials in the early solar system. These materials include ices and refractory matter 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. [roberw@rpi.edu]

14. Norbert Schorghofer, U Hawaii

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 the Mars Phoenix Landing site) (iv) GPU computing for lunar thermal model (involves programming for highperformance computations). [norb1@IfA.Hawaii.Edu]

Geology/Geochemistry/Geobiochemistry
15. Ariel Anbar, Arizona State University Research in the Anbar group focuses on the abundances and isotope compositions 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 of sedimentary rocks from the Precambrian to understand changes in the oxygen content of Earth's atmosphere and oceans, but other projects are also possible including projects tied to the study of metals in microbial communities from laboratory experiments or field sites. [anbar@asu.edu]

16. Brian Beard, University of Wisconsin-Madison Research interests in isotope geochemistry include development of new stable isotope systems such as Ca, Mg, and Fe. Geochronology and petrogenesis of Martian igneous rocks and this work is being pursued by analysis of SNC group meteorites. Development of new instrumentation to conduct remote isotope analysis on Mars. [beardb@geology.wisc.edu]

17. Sam Bowring, MIT The Bowring lab at MIT concentrates on high-precision U-Pb geochronology in accessory 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 with anyone who works hard and is highly motivated. [sbowring@MIT.EDU] 18. Susan Brantley, Penn State University Susan L. Brantley, Professor of Geosciences, investigates chemical, biological, and physical processes associated with the circulation of aqueous fluids in shallow hydrogeologic settings. Investigations incorporate field and laboratory

work, and theoretical modelling of observations. Of particular interest are questions 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 include investigations of weathering processes in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory and the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory, Fe release and isotope fractionation during microbial alteration and weathering of shales, granites, and basalts, neutron scattering analyses of weathering rocks, and reactive transport modelling of weathering. [brantley@geosc.psu.edu]

19. Max Coleman, NASA-JPL Work on a range of mineral biosignatures: mineral chemical, isotopic and structural characteristics resulting from microbiological activity. Evaporite deposits are another focus of interest since they are of aqueous origin and thus potentially habitable while the same geochemical characteristics give quantitative information on paleoenvironmental conditions. [max.coleman@jpl.nasa.gov] 20. Sandy Dasgupta, U Texas, Arlington The NASA Astobiology program is increasingly interested in performing in-situ wet analysis of extraterrestrial analog soils, as few molecules/ions of biological interest can successfully be put intact to the gas phase. We are developing easily deployable miniature solution phase analysis techniques, especially liquid and ion chromatographic techniques that will meet the needs for such an institution. [dasgupta@uta.edu] 21. Clark Johnson, University of Wisconsin-Madison Interests include application of stable (C, S, Mg, Ca, and Fe) and radiogenic (RbSr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, and U-Th-Pb) isotope geochemistry to determining ancient paleoenvironments and the evolution of microbial metabolisms in the Precambrian Earth and on Mars. [clarkj@geology.wisc.edu]

22. Lee Kump, Penn State University Fayetteville Green Lake is an unusual lake. It is permanently stratified, with oxygenated surface waters and anoxic/sulfidic deep waters. The chemocline separating the two is host to an unusual, structured, anoxygenic phototrophic community. The lake serves as a modern analogue for ancient oceans in the Precambrian and during the end-Permian mass extinction. We are investigating ecosystem dynamics in the chemocline, performing a disruption experiment wherein the chemocline is instantaneously destroyed, and then allowed to restructure itself. This is a biogeochemical study, with a focus on

pigments, nutrients, trace metals, and phototrophic community structure. There will be monthly field trips and laboratory analyses. [lrk4@psu.edu] 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, Princeton University, Goddard Space Flight Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Honey Bee Robotics is participating in a three-year field campaign to analyze seasonal 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 environments across a study site of about 1 km2. The team is conducting a wide range of instrumented environmental measurements (pH, salinity, and temperature in lakes) and atmospheric measurements (open-path laser and cavity-ring down for methane concentration and isotopic signatures) and are collecting samples to return 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. A requirement is for the Fellow to be physically fit and comfortable in a remote setting. [prattl@indiana.edu] 24. Christopher Romanek, University of Kentucky Research specialty is low-temperature and aqueous geochemistry. Current work centers on developing a better understanding of the factors that control the trace element and stable isotope compositions of carbonate minerals. Through the controlled growth of carbonate minerals in the laboratory, inferences may be made regarding the environmental conditions and processes that lead to the formation of carbonate minerals on other planetary bodies such as Mars. [c.romanek@uky.edu]

25. Nita Sahai, University of Akron Interfacial biogeochemistry, which focuses on the interactions of organic molecules and cells at mineral surfaces on the molecular- and nano-scale, in processes of relevance to prebiotic chemistry, origin and early evolution of cell, bone and teeth mineralization, biomimetic materials chemistry, and orthopedic bioceramics. Approach uses a variety of chemical, biomolecula r, cellular, and computational tools to understand these processes in solution and at the mineral water interface. [sahai@uakron.edu]

26. Mahadeva Sinha, NASA-JPL Development of new instrumentation and methodology for in situ age determinations of extraterrestrial rocks on rover-based missions, via laser ablation (LA) coupled to a JPL-developed miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) of focal plane geometry. [mahadeva.p.sinha@jpl.nasa.gov]

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; developing new insights into the fine-scale isotopic variability of ancient samples using the new Wisc-SIMS ion microprobe facility. [valley@geology.wisc.edu]

28. Huifang Xu, University of Wisconsin-Madison Roles of microbes and bio-molecules in controlling crystal shapes, structures, compositions, textures and interface structures of minerals using X-ray diffraction and atomic-resolution scanning-transmission electron microscopy. [hfxu@geology.wisc.edu]