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Curtis-Harper E, Pearson VK, Summers S, Bridges JC, Schwenzer SP, Olsson-Francis K. The Microbial Community of a Terrestrial Anoxic Inter-Tidal Zone: A Model for Laboratory-Based Studies of Potentially Habitable Ancient Lacustrine Systems on Mars. Microorganisms 2018; 6:microorganisms6030061. [PMID: 29966361 PMCID: PMC6165429 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6030061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence indicates that Gale crater on Mars harboured a fluvio-lacustrine environment that was subjected to physio-chemical variations such as changes in redox conditions and evaporation with salinity changes, over time. Microbial communities from terrestrial environmental analogues sites are important for studying such potential habitability environments on early Mars, especially in laboratory-based simulation experiments. Traditionally, such studies have predominantly focused on microorganisms from extreme terrestrial environments. These are applicable to a range of Martian environments; however, they lack relevance to the lacustrine systems. In this study, we characterise an anoxic inter-tidal zone as a terrestrial analogue for the Gale crater lake system according to its chemical and physical properties, and its microbiological community. The sub-surface inter-tidal environment of the River Dee estuary, United Kingdom (53°21′15.40″ N, 3°10′24.95″ W) was selected and compared with available data from Early Hesperian-time Gale crater, and temperature, redox, and pH were similar. Compared to subsurface ‘groundwater’-type fluids invoked for the Gale subsurface, salinity was higher at the River Dee site, which are more comparable to increases in salinity that likely occurred as the Gale crater lake evolved. Similarities in clay abundance indicated similar access to, specifically, the bio-essential elements Mg, Fe and K. The River Dee microbial community consisted of taxa that were known to have members that could utilise chemolithoautotrophic and chemoorganoheterotrophic metabolism and such a mixed metabolic capability would potentially have been feasible on Mars. Microorganisms isolated from the site were able to grow under environment conditions that, based on mineralogical data, were similar to that of the Gale crater’s aqueous environment at Yellowknife Bay. Thus, the results from this study suggest that the microbial community from an anoxic inter-tidal zone is a plausible terrestrial analogue for studying habitability of fluvio-lacustrine systems on early Mars, using laboratory-based simulation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Curtis-Harper
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Victoria K Pearson
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Stephen Summers
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551 Singapore, Singapore.
| | - John C Bridges
- Space Research Centre, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Susanne P Schwenzer
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
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52
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Eigenbrode JL, Summons RE, Steele A, Freissinet C, Millan M, Navarro-González R, Sutter B, McAdam AC, Franz HB, Glavin DP, Archer PD, Mahaffy PR, Conrad PG, Hurowitz JA, Grotzinger JP, Gupta S, Ming DW, Sumner DY, Szopa C, Malespin C, Buch A, Coll P. Organic matter preserved in 3-billion-year-old mudstones at Gale crater, Mars. Science 2018; 360:1096-1101. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aas9185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Establishing the presence and state of organic matter, including its possible biosignatures, in martian materials has been an elusive quest, despite limited reports of the existence of organic matter on Mars. We report the in situ detection of organic matter preserved in lacustrine mudstones at the base of the ~3.5-billion-year-old Murray formation at Pahrump Hills, Gale crater, by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. Diverse pyrolysis products, including thiophenic, aromatic, and aliphatic compounds released at high temperatures (500° to 820°C), were directly detected by evolved gas analysis. Thiophenes were also observed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Their presence suggests that sulfurization aided organic matter preservation. At least 50 nanomoles of organic carbon persists, probably as macromolecules containing 5% carbon as organic sulfur molecules.
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53
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Bristow TF, Rampe EB, Achilles CN, Blake DF, Chipera SJ, Craig P, Crisp JA, Des Marais DJ, Downs RT, Gellert R, Grotzinger JP, Gupta S, Hazen RM, Horgan B, Hogancamp JV, Mangold N, Mahaffy PR, McAdam AC, Ming DW, Morookian JM, Morris RV, Morrison SM, Treiman AH, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Yen AS. Clay mineral diversity and abundance in sedimentary rocks of Gale crater, Mars. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaar3330. [PMID: 29881776 PMCID: PMC5990309 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aar3330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Clay minerals provide indicators of the evolution of aqueous conditions and possible habitats for life on ancient Mars. Analyses by the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity show that ~3.5-billion year (Ga) fluvio-lacustrine mudstones in Gale crater contain up to ~28 weight % (wt %) clay minerals. We demonstrate that the species of clay minerals deduced from x-ray diffraction and evolved gas analysis show a strong paleoenvironmental dependency. While perennial lake mudstones are characterized by Fe-saponite, we find that stratigraphic intervals associated with episodic lake drying contain Al-rich, Fe3+-bearing dioctahedral smectite, with minor (3 wt %) quantities of ferripyrophyllite, interpreted as wind-blown detritus, found in candidate aeolian deposits. Our results suggest that dioctahedral smectite formed via near-surface chemical weathering driven by fluctuations in lake level and atmospheric infiltration, a process leading to the redistribution of nutrients and potentially influencing the cycling of gases that help regulate climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F. Bristow
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.B.); (E.B.R.)
| | - Elizabeth B. Rampe
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.B.); (E.B.R.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joy A. Crisp
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Robert T. Downs
- Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ralf Gellert
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John P. Grotzinger
- Division of Geologic and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Sanjeev Gupta
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Robert M. Hazen
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA
| | - Briony Horgan
- Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Nicolas Mangold
- Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géodynamique, UMR6112, CNRS, Université Nantes, Université Angers, Nantes, France
| | | | - Amy C. McAdam
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - Doug W. Ming
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | | | | | - Shaunna M. Morrison
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA
| | | | | | - Ashwin R. Vasavada
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Albert S. Yen
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
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54
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Egan MJ, Angel SM, Sharma SK. Optimizing Data Reduction Procedures in Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectroscopy with Applications to Planetary Surface Analogs. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 72:933-942. [PMID: 29381083 DOI: 10.1177/0003702818755136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) is a variant of a Michelson interferometer in which the mirrors of a Michelson are replaced with two stationary diffraction gratings. When light enters the SHRS, it is reflected off of diffraction gratings at frequency-dependent angles that produce crossed wavefronts in space that can be imaged using a plane array detector. The crossed wavefronts, which represent a superposition of interference fringes, are converted to a Raman spectrum upon applying a Fourier transform. In this work, a new approach to intensity calibration is discussed that originates from modeling the shot noise produced by the SHRS and converting the real noise to idealized white noise as predicted by theory. This procedure has two effects. First, the technique produces Raman spectra with white noise. Second, when the mean of the noise is normalized to one, the technique produces Raman spectra where the intensity axis is equivalent to signal-to-noise ratio. The data reduction technique is then applied to the measurement of materials of interest to the planetary science community, including minerals and inorganic salts, at a distance of 5 m from the collecting optic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Jacob Egan
- 1 Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, USA
| | - S Michael Angel
- 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Shiv K Sharma
- 1 Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, USA
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55
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Rivera-Valentín EG, Gough RV, Chevrier VF, Primm KM, Martínez GM, Tolbert M. Constraining the Potential Liquid Water Environment at Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2018; 123:1156-1167. [PMID: 33294305 PMCID: PMC7720553 DOI: 10.1002/2018je005558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) has now made continuous in situ meteorological measurements for several Martian years at Gale crater, Mars. Of importance in the search for liquid formation are REMS' measurements of ground temperature and in-air measurements of temperature and relative humidity, which is with respect to ice. Such data can constrain the surface and subsurface stability of brines. Here we use updated calibrations to REMS data and consistent relative humidity comparisons (i.e., with respect to liquid versus with respect to ice) to investigate the potential formation of surface and subsurface liquids throughout MSL's traverse. We specifically study the potential for the deliquescence of calcium perchlorate. Our data analysis suggests that surface brine formation is not favored within the first 1648 sols as there are only two times (sols 1232 and 1311) when humidity-temperature conditions were within error consistent with a liquid phase. On the other hand, modeling of the subsurface environment would support brine production in the shallow subsurface. Indeed, we find that the shallow subsurface for terrains with low thermal inertia (Γ ≲ 300 J m-2 K-1 s-1/2) may be occasionally favorable to brine formation through deliquescence. Terrains with Γ ≲ 175 J m-2 K-1 s-1/2 and albedos of ≳0.25 are the most apt to subsurface brine formation. Should brines form, they would occur around Ls 100°. Their predicted properties would not meet the Special nor Uncertain Region requirements, as such they would not be potential habitable environments to life as we know it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgard G Rivera-Valentín
- Arecibo Observatory, Universities Space Research Association, Arecibo, PR, USA
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raina V Gough
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Vincent F Chevrier
- Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Katherine M Primm
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - German M Martínez
- Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Margaret Tolbert
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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56
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Lewis JM, Najorka J, Watson JS, Sephton MA. The Search for Hesperian Organic Matter on Mars: Pyrolysis Studies of Sediments Rich in Sulfur and Iron. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:454-464. [PMID: 29298093 PMCID: PMC5910044 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Jarosite on Mars is of significant geological and astrobiological interest, as it forms in acidic aqueous conditions that are potentially habitable for acidophilic organisms. Jarosite can provide environmental context and may host organic matter. The most common extraction technique used to search for organic compounds on the surface of Mars is pyrolysis. However, thermal decomposition of jarosite releases oxygen into pyrolysis ovens, which degrades organic signals. Jarosite has a close association with the iron oxyhydroxide goethite in many depositional/diagenetic environments. Hematite can form by dehydration of goethite or directly from jarosite under certain aqueous conditions. Goethite and hematite are significantly more amenable than jarosite for pyrolysis experiments employed to search for organic matter. Analysis of the mineralogy and organic chemistry of samples from a natural acidic stream revealed a diverse response for organic compounds during pyrolysis of goethite-rich layers but a poor response for jarosite-rich or mixed jarosite-goethite samples. Goethite units that are associated with jarosite, but do not contain jarosite themselves, should be targeted for organic detection pyrolysis experiments on Mars. These findings are extremely timely, as exploration targets for Mars Science Laboratory include Vera Rubin Ridge (formerly known as "Hematite Ridge"), which may have formed from goethite precursors. Key Words: Mars-Pyrolysis-Jarosite-Goethite-Hematite-Biosignatures. Astrobiology 18, 454-464.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M.T. Lewis
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jens Najorka
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Mineralogy, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Jonathan S. Watson
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A. Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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57
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Sklute EC, Rogers AD, Gregerson JC, Jensen HB, Reeder RJ, Dyar MD. Amorphous salts formed from rapid dehydration of multicomponent chloride and ferric sulfate brines: Implications for Mars. ICARUS 2018; 302:285-295. [PMID: 29670302 PMCID: PMC5901898 DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Salts with high hydration states have the potential to maintain high levels of relative humidity (RH) in the near subsurface of Mars, even at moderate temperatures. These conditions could promote deliquescence of lower hydrates of ferric sulfate, chlorides, and other salts. Previous work on deliquesced ferric sulfates has shown that when these materials undergo rapid dehydration, such as that which would occur upon exposure to present day Martian surface conditions, an amorphous phase forms. However, the fate of deliquesced halides or mixed ferric sulfate-bearing brines are presently unknown. Here we present results of rapid dehydration experiments on Ca-, Na-, Mg- and Fe-chloride brines and multi-component (Fe2 (SO4)3 ± Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl, HCO3) brines at ∼21°C, and characterize the dehydration products using visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy, mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. We find that rapid dehydration of many multicomponent brines can form amorphous solids or solids with an amorphous component, and that the presence of other elements affects the persistence of the amorphous phase under RH fluctuations. Of the pure chloride brines, only Fe-chloride formed an amorphous solid. XRD patterns of the multicomponent amorphous salts show changes in position, shape, and magnitude of the characteristic diffuse scattering observed in all amorphous materials that could be used to help constrain the composition of the amorphous salt. Amorphous salts deliquesce at lower RH values compared to their crystalline counterparts, opening up the possibility of their role in potential deliquescence-related geologic phenomena such as recurring slope lineae (RSLs) or soil induration. This work suggests that a wide range of aqueous mixed salt solutions can lead to the formation of amorphous salts and are possible for Mars; detailed studies of the formation mechanisms, stability and transformation behaviors of amorphous salts are necessary to further constrain their contribution to Martian surface materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Sklute
- Department of Astronomy, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St., South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
| | - A. Deanne Rogers
- Department of Geoscience, Stony Brook University, 255 Earth and Space Science Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA
| | - Jason C. Gregerson
- Department of Geoscience, Stony Brook University, 255 Earth and Space Science Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA
| | - Heidi B. Jensen
- Department of Geoscience, Stony Brook University, 255 Earth and Space Science Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA
| | - Richard J. Reeder
- Department of Geoscience, Stony Brook University, 255 Earth and Space Science Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA
| | - M. Darby Dyar
- Department of Astronomy, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St., South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
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58
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TeMoto: Intuitive Multi-Range Telerobotic System with Natural Gestural and Verbal Instruction Interface. ROBOTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/robotics7010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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59
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Sugahara H, Meinert C, Nahon L, Jones NC, Hoffmann SV, Hamase K, Takano Y, Meierhenrich UJ. d-Amino acids in molecular evolution in space - Absolute asymmetric photolysis and synthesis of amino acids by circularly polarized light. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2018; 1866:743-758. [PMID: 29357311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms on the Earth almost exclusively use l-amino acids for the molecular architecture of proteins. The biological occurrence of d-amino acids is rare, although their functions in various organisms are being gradually understood. A possible explanation for the origin of biomolecular homochirality is the delivery of enantioenriched molecules via extraterrestrial bodies, such as asteroids and comets on early Earth. For the asymmetric formation of amino acids and their precursor molecules in interstellar environments, the interaction with circularly polarized photons is considered to have played a potential role in causing chiral asymmetry. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the investigation of chirality transfer from chiral photons to amino acids involving the two major processes of asymmetric photolysis and asymmetric synthesis. We will discuss analytical data on cometary and meteoritic amino acids and their potential impact delivery to the early Earth. The ongoing and future ambitious space missions, Hayabusa2, OSIRIS-REx, ExoMars 2020, and MMX, are scheduled to provide new insights into the chirality of extraterrestrial organic molecules and their potential relation to the terrestrial homochirality. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: d-Amino acids: biology in the mirror, edited by Dr. Loredano Pollegioni, Dr. Jean-Pierre Mothet and Dr. Molla Gianluca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Sugahara
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7272, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Cornelia Meinert
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7272, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Laurent Nahon
- L'Orme des Merisiers, Synchrotron SOLEIL, BP 48 Saint Aubin, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Nykola C Jones
- ISA, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Søren V Hoffmann
- ISA, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kenji Hamase
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takano
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Uwe J Meierhenrich
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7272, 06108 Nice, France.
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60
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Atzrodt J, Derdau V, Kerr WJ, Reid M. Deuterium- and Tritium-Labelled Compounds: Applications in the Life Sciences. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:1758-1784. [PMID: 28815899 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201704146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen isotopes are unique tools for identifying and understanding biological and chemical processes. Hydrogen isotope labelling allows for the traceless and direct incorporation of an additional mass or radioactive tag into an organic molecule with almost no changes in its chemical structure, physical properties, or biological activity. Using deuterium-labelled isotopologues to study the unique mass-spectrometric patterns generated from mixtures of biologically relevant molecules drastically simplifies analysis. Such methods are now providing unprecedented levels of insight in a wide and continuously growing range of applications in the life sciences and beyond. Tritium (3 H), in particular, has seen an increase in utilization, especially in pharmaceutical drug discovery. The efforts and costs associated with the synthesis of labelled compounds are more than compensated for by the enhanced molecular sensitivity during analysis and the high reliability of the data obtained. In this Review, advances in the application of hydrogen isotopes in the life sciences are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Atzrodt
- Isotope Chemistry and Metabolite Synthesis, Integrated Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry, Industriepark Höchst, G876, 65926, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Volker Derdau
- Isotope Chemistry and Metabolite Synthesis, Integrated Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry, Industriepark Höchst, G876, 65926, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - William J Kerr
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Marc Reid
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 1XL, UK
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61
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A vacuum ultraviolet photoionization study on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. Chem Phys Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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62
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YAMAGISHI A, SATOH T, MIYAKAWA A, YOSHIMURA Y, SASAKI S, KOBAYASHI K, KEBUKAWA Y, YABUTA H, MITA H, IMAI E, NAGANUMA T, FUJITA K, USUI T. LDM (Life Detection Microscope): In Situ Imaging of Living Cells on Surface of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2322/tastj.16.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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63
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Elliott J, Ngamchuea K, Batchelor-McAuley C, Compton RG. Martian Redox Chemistry: Oxygen Reduction in Low-Temperature Magnesium Perchlorate Brines. J Phys Chem Lett 2017; 8:6171-6175. [PMID: 29220572 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b02884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
NASA has a mandate to send humans to Mars by 2033. Recent discoveries regarding Mars include the likely presence of low-temperature liquid brines on the planet's surface. This work investigates redox chemistry in near saturated aqueous 2.8 M Mg(ClO4)2 at temperatures as low as -34 °C. These conditions are comparable to those thought to be found on the Martian surface. In particular, electro-reduction of oxygen is studied, and the diffusion coefficient and solubility of this important redox species are established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Elliott
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Kamonwad Ngamchuea
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Batchelor-McAuley
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G Compton
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
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64
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Ehlmann BL, Edgett KS, Sutter B, Achilles CN, Litvak ML, Lapotre MGA, Sullivan R, Fraeman AA, Arvidson RE, Blake DF, Bridges NT, Conrad PG, Cousin A, Downs RT, Gabriel TSJ, Gellert R, Hamilton VE, Hardgrove C, Johnson JR, Kuhn S, Mahaffy PR, Maurice S, McHenry M, Meslin PY, Ming DW, Minitti ME, Morookian JM, Morris RV, O'Connell-Cooper CD, Pinet PC, Rowland SK, Schröder S, Siebach KL, Stein NT, Thompson LM, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Wellington DF, Wiens RC, Yen AS. Chemistry, mineralogy, and grain properties at Namib and High dunes, Bagnold dune field, Gale crater, Mars: A synthesis of Curiosity rover observations. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2510-2543. [PMID: 29497589 DOI: 10.1002/2016je005225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed coordinated measurements to examine the textures and compositions of aeolian sands in the active Bagnold dune field. The Bagnold sands are rounded to subrounded, very fine to medium sized (~45-500 μm) with ≥6 distinct grain colors. In contrast to sands examined by Curiosity in a dust-covered, inactive bedform called Rocknest and soils at other landing sites, Bagnold sands are darker, less red, better sorted, have fewer silt-sized or smaller grains, and show no evidence for cohesion. Nevertheless, Bagnold mineralogy and Rocknest mineralogy are similar with plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxenes in similar proportions comprising >90% of crystalline phases, along with a substantial amorphous component (35% ± 15%). Yet Bagnold and Rocknest bulk chemistry differ. Bagnold sands are Si enriched relative to other soils at Gale crater, and H2O, S, and Cl are lower relative to all previously measured Martian soils and most Gale crater rocks. Mg, Ni, Fe, and Mn are enriched in the coarse-sieved fraction of Bagnold sands, corroborated by visible/near-infrared spectra that suggest enrichment of olivine. Collectively, patterns in major element chemistry and volatile release data indicate two distinctive volatile reservoirs in Martian soils: (1) amorphous components in the sand-sized fraction (represented by Bagnold) that are Si-enriched, hydroxylated alteration products and/or H2O- or OH-bearing impact or volcanic glasses and (2) amorphous components in the fine fraction (<40 μm; represented by Rocknest and other bright soils) that are Fe, S, and Cl enriched with low Si and adsorbed and structural H2O.
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Ehlmann BL, Edgett KS, Sutter B, Achilles CN, Litvak ML, Lapotre MGA, Sullivan R, Fraeman AA, Arvidson RE, Blake DF, Bridges NT, Conrad PG, Cousin A, Downs RT, Gabriel TSJ, Gellert R, Hamilton VE, Hardgrove C, Johnson JR, Kuhn S, Mahaffy PR, Maurice S, McHenry M, Meslin P, Ming DW, Minitti ME, Morookian JM, Morris RV, O'Connell‐Cooper CD, Pinet PC, Rowland SK, Schröder S, Siebach KL, Stein NT, Thompson LM, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Wellington DF, Wiens RC, Yen AS. Chemistry, mineralogy, and grain properties at Namib and High dunes, Bagnold dune field, Gale crater, Mars: A synthesis of Curiosity rover observations. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2510-2543. [PMID: 29497589 PMCID: PMC5815393 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed coordinated measurements to examine the textures and compositions of aeolian sands in the active Bagnold dune field. The Bagnold sands are rounded to subrounded, very fine to medium sized (~45-500 μm) with ≥6 distinct grain colors. In contrast to sands examined by Curiosity in a dust-covered, inactive bedform called Rocknest and soils at other landing sites, Bagnold sands are darker, less red, better sorted, have fewer silt-sized or smaller grains, and show no evidence for cohesion. Nevertheless, Bagnold mineralogy and Rocknest mineralogy are similar with plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxenes in similar proportions comprising >90% of crystalline phases, along with a substantial amorphous component (35% ± 15%). Yet Bagnold and Rocknest bulk chemistry differ. Bagnold sands are Si enriched relative to other soils at Gale crater, and H2O, S, and Cl are lower relative to all previously measured Martian soils and most Gale crater rocks. Mg, Ni, Fe, and Mn are enriched in the coarse-sieved fraction of Bagnold sands, corroborated by visible/near-infrared spectra that suggest enrichment of olivine. Collectively, patterns in major element chemistry and volatile release data indicate two distinctive volatile reservoirs in Martian soils: (1) amorphous components in the sand-sized fraction (represented by Bagnold) that are Si-enriched, hydroxylated alteration products and/or H2O- or OH-bearing impact or volcanic glasses and (2) amorphous components in the fine fraction (<40 μm; represented by Rocknest and other bright soils) that are Fe, S, and Cl enriched with low Si and adsorbed and structural H2O.
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66
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Chojnacki M, Fenton LK. The Geologic Exploration of the Bagnold Dune Field at Gale Crater by the Curiosity Rover. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2216-2222. [PMID: 29564198 PMCID: PMC5857957 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity engaged in a monthlong campaign investigating the Bagnold dune field in Gale crater. What represents the first in situ investigation of a dune field on another planet has resulted in a number of discoveries. Collectively, the Curiosity rover team has compiled the most comprehensive survey of any extraterrestrial aeolian system visited to date with results that yield important insights into a number of processes, including sediment transport, bed form morphology and structure, chemical and physical composition of aeolian sand, and wind regime characteristics. These findings and more are provided in detail by the JGR-Planets Special Issue Curiosity's Bagnold Dunes Campaign, Phase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Chojnacki
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lori K Fenton
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA, USA
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Kostyukevich Y, Efremov D, Ionov V, Kukaev E, Nikolaev E. Remote detection of explosives using field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer installed on multicopter. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2017; 52:777-782. [PMID: 28762581 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The detection of explosives and drugs in hard-to-reach places is a considerable challenge. We report the development and initial experimental characterization of the air analysis system that includes Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer, array of the semiconductor gas sensors and is installed on multicopter. The system was developed based on the commercially available DJI Matrix 100 platform. For data collection and communication with operator, the special compact computer (Intel Compute Stick) was installed onboard. The total weight of the system was 3.3 kg. The system allows the 15-minute flight and provides the remote access to the obtained data. The developed system can be effectively used for the detection of impurities in the air, ecology monitoring, detection of chemical warfare agents, and explosives, what is especially important in light of recent terroristic attacks. The capabilities of the system were tested on the several explosives such as trinitrotoluene and nitro powder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Kostyukevich
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Novaya St., 100, 143025, Skolkovo, Russia
- Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskij pr. 38 k.2, 119334, Moscow, Russia
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina St. 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Efremov
- Private educational institution of higher professional education Moscow Technological Institute, Leninsky Prospect 38a, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Ionov
- "Lavanda-U Limited" 111123, Shosse Entuziastov, d. 56, p. 27, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Kukaev
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Nikolaev
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Novaya St., 100, 143025, Skolkovo, Russia
- Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskij pr. 38 k.2, 119334, Moscow, Russia
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina St. 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia
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68
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Büchi M. Microblogging as an extension of science reporting. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:953-968. [PMID: 27381506 DOI: 10.1177/0963662516657794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mass media have long provided general publics with science news. New media such as Twitter have entered this system and provide an additional platform for the dissemination of science information. Based on automated collection and analysis of >900 news articles and 70,000 tweets, this study explores the online communication of current science news. Topic modeling (latent Dirichlet allocation) was used to extract five broad themes of science reporting: space missions, the US government shutdown, cancer research, Nobel Prizes, and climate change. Using content and network analysis, Twitter was found to extend public science communication by providing additional voices and contextualizations of science issues. It serves a recommender role by linking to web resources, connecting users, and directing users' attention. This article suggests that microblogging adds a new and relevant layer to the public communication of science.
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69
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Blanco Y, Gallardo-Carreño I, Ruiz-Bermejo M, Puente-Sánchez F, Cavalcante-Silva E, Quesada A, Prieto-Ballesteros O, Parro V. Critical Assessment of Analytical Techniques in the Search for Biomarkers on Mars: A Mummified Microbial Mat from Antarctica as a Best-Case Scenario. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:984-996. [PMID: 29016195 PMCID: PMC5655591 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The search for biomarkers of present or past life is one of the major challenges for in situ planetary exploration. Multiple constraints limit the performance and sensitivity of remote in situ instrumentation. In addition, the structure, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the sample may complicate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The aim of this work is to highlight the main constraints, performance, and complementarity of several techniques that have already been implemented or are planned to be implemented on Mars for detection of organic and molecular biomarkers on a best-case sample scenario. We analyzed a 1000-year-old desiccated and mummified microbial mat from Antarctica by Raman and IR (infrared) spectroscopies (near- and mid-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and immunological detection with a life detector chip. In spite of the high organic content (ca. 20% wt/wt) of the sample, the Raman spectra only showed the characteristic spectral peaks of the remaining beta-carotene biomarker and faint peaks of phyllosilicates over a strong fluorescence background. IR spectra complemented the mineralogical information from Raman spectra and showed the main molecular vibrations of the humic acid functional groups. The TG-MS system showed the release of several volatile compounds attributed to biopolymers. An antibody microarray for detecting cyanobacteria (CYANOCHIP) detected biomarkers from Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales orders. The results highlight limitations of each technique and suggest the necessity of complementary approaches in the search for biomarkers because some analytical techniques might be impaired by sample composition, presentation, or processing. Key Words: Planetary exploration-Life detection-Microbial mat-Life detector chip-Thermogravimetry-Raman spectroscopy-NIR-DRIFTS. Astrobiology 17, 984-996.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Blanco
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Ruiz-Bermejo
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Quesada
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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70
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Nuding DL, Gough RV, Venkateswaran KJ, Spry JA, Tolbert MA. Laboratory Investigations on the Survival of Bacillus subtilis Spores in Deliquescent Salt Mars Analog Environments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:997-1008. [PMID: 29048223 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Observed features such as recurring slope lineae suggest that liquid water may exist on the surface and near-subsurface of Mars today. The presence of this liquid water, likely in the form of a brine, has important implications for the present-day water cycle, habitability, and planetary protection policies. It is possible that this water is formed, at least partially, by deliquescence of salts, a process during which hygroscopic salts absorb water vapor from the atmosphere and form a saturated liquid brine. We performed laboratory experiments to examine the ability of Bacillus subtilis (B-168) spores, alone or mixed with calcium perchlorate salt (Ca(ClO4)2), to form liquid water via deliquescence under Mars-relevant conditions. Spore survival after exposure to these conditions was examined. An environmental chamber was used to expose the samples to temperature and relative humidity (RH) values similar to those found on Mars, and Raman microscopy was used to identify the phases of water and salt that were present and to confirm the presence of spores. We found that B-168 spores did not condense any detectable water vapor on their own during the diurnal cycle, even at 100% RH. However, when spores were mixed with perchlorate salt, the entire sample deliquesced at low RH values, immersing the spores in a brine solution during the majority of the simulated martian temperature and humidity cycle. After exposure to the simulated diurnal cycles and, in some cases, perchlorate brine, the impact of each environmental scenario on spore survival was estimated by standard plate assay. We found that, if there are deliquescent salts in contact with spores, there is a mechanism for the spores to acquire liquid water starting with only atmospheric water vapor as the H2O source. Also, neither crystalline nor liquid Ca(ClO4)2 is sporicidal despite the low water activity. Key Words: Raman microscopy-Mars-Planetary protection-Salts-Water activity. Astrobiology 17, 997-1008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Nuding
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Raina V Gough
- 2 Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado
| | | | | | - Margaret A Tolbert
- 2 Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado
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71
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Mathies RA, Razu ME, Kim J, Stockton AM, Turin P, Butterworth A. Feasibility of Detecting Bioorganic Compounds in Enceladus Plumes with the Enceladus Organic Analyzer. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:902-912. [PMID: 28915087 PMCID: PMC5610425 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Enceladus presents an excellent opportunity to detect organic molecules that are relevant for habitability as well as bioorganic molecules that provide evidence for extraterrestrial life because Enceladus' plume is composed of material from the subsurface ocean that has a high habitability potential and significant organic content. A primary challenge is to send instruments to Enceladus that can efficiently sample organic molecules in the plume and analyze for the most relevant molecules with the necessary detection limits. To this end, we present the scientific feasibility and engineering design of the Enceladus Organic Analyzer (EOA) that uses a microfluidic capillary electrophoresis system to provide sensitive detection of a wide range of relevant organic molecules, including amines, amino acids, and carboxylic acids, with ppm plume-detection limits (100 pM limits of detection). Importantly, the design of a capture plate that effectively gathers plume ice particles at encounter velocities from 200 m/s to 5 km/s is described, and the ice particle impact is modeled to demonstrate that material will be efficiently captured without organic decomposition. While the EOA can also operate on a landed mission, the relative technical ease of a fly-by mission to Enceladus, the possibility to nondestructively capture pristine samples from deep within the Enceladus ocean, plus the high sensitivity of the EOA instrument for molecules of bioorganic relevance for life detection argue for the inclusion of EOA on Enceladus missions. Key Words: Lab-on-a-chip-Organic biomarkers-Life detection-Planetary exploration. Astrobiology 17, 902-912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Md Enayet Razu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Amanda M. Stockton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Paul Turin
- Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Anna Butterworth
- Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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72
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Fox S, Strasdeit H. Inhabited or Uninhabited? Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Possible Chemical Signatures of Extraterrestrial Life. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1622. [PMID: 28970819 PMCID: PMC5609592 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The "Rare Earth" hypothesis-put forward by Ward and Brownlee in their 2000 book of the same title-states that prokaryote-type organisms may be common in the universe but animals and higher plants are exceedingly rare. If this idea is correct, the search for extraterrestrial life is essentially the search for microorganisms. Various indicators may be used to detect extant or extinct microbial life beyond Earth. Among them are chemical biosignatures, such as biomolecules and stable isotope ratios. The present minireview focuses on the major problems associated with the identification of chemical biosignatures. Two main types of misinterpretation are distinguished, namely false positive and false negative results. The former can be caused by terrestrial biogenic contaminants or by abiotic products. Terrestrial contamination is a common problem in space missions that search for biosignatures on other planets and moons. Abiotic organics can lead to false positive results if erroneously interpreted as biomolecules, but also to false negatives, for example when an abiotic source obscures a less productive biological one. In principle, all types of putative chemical biosignatures are prone to misinterpretation. Some, however, are more reliable ("stronger") than others. These include: (i) homochiral polymers of defined length and sequence, comparable to proteins and polynucleotides; (ii) enantiopure compounds; (iii) the existence of only a subset of molecules when abiotic syntheses would produce a continuous range of molecules; the proteinogenic amino acids constitute such a subset. These considerations are particularly important for life detection missions to solar system bodies such as Mars, Europa, and Enceladus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fox
- Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of HohenheimStuttgart, Germany
| | - Henry Strasdeit
- Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of HohenheimStuttgart, Germany
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73
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Goesmann F, Brinckerhoff WB, Raulin F, Goetz W, Danell RM, Getty SA, Siljeström S, Mißbach H, Steininger H, Arevalo RD, Buch A, Freissinet C, Grubisic A, Meierhenrich UJ, Pinnick VT, Stalport F, Szopa C, Vago JL, Lindner R, Schulte MD, Brucato JR, Glavin DP, Grand N, Li X, van Amerom FHW. The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) Instrument: Characterization of Organic Material in Martian Sediments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:655-685. [PMID: 31067288 PMCID: PMC5685156 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument onboard the ESA/Roscosmos ExoMars rover (to launch in July, 2020) will analyze volatile and refractory organic compounds in martian surface and subsurface sediments. In this study, we describe the design, current status of development, and analytical capabilities of the instrument. Data acquired on preliminary MOMA flight-like hardware and experimental setups are also presented, illustrating their contribution to the overall science return of the mission. Key Words: Mars-Mass spectrometry-Life detection-Planetary instrumentation. Astrobiology 17, 655-685.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Goesmann
- Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - François Raulin
- LISA, U. Paris-Est, Créteil, U. Paris Diderot, Paris, CNRS, France
| | - Walter Goetz
- Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Sandra Siljeström
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Bioscience and Materials/Chemistry and Materials, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helge Mißbach
- Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Arnaud Buch
- LPGM, CentraleParis, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | | | - Andrej Grubisic
- NASA GSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Fabien Stalport
- LISA, U. Paris-Est, Créteil, U. Paris Diderot, Paris, CNRS, France
| | - Cyril Szopa
- LATMOS/IPSL, Guyancourt, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Noel Grand
- LISA, U. Paris-Est, Créteil, U. Paris Diderot, Paris, CNRS, France
| | - Xiang Li
- NASA GSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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74
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Mobberley JM, Lindemann SR, Bernstein HC, Moran JJ, Renslow RS, Babauta J, Hu D, Beyenal H, Nelson WC. Organismal and spatial partitioning of energy and macronutrient transformations within a hypersaline mat. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2017; 93:3071443. [PMID: 28334407 PMCID: PMC5812542 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phototrophic mat communities are model ecosystems for studying energy cycling and elemental transformations because complete biogeochemical cycles occur over millimeter-to-centimeter scales. Characterization of energy and nutrient capture within hypersaline phototrophic mats has focused on specific processes and organisms; however, little is known about community-wide distribution of and linkages between these processes. To investigate energy and macronutrient capture and flow through a structured community, the spatial and organismal distribution of metabolic functions within a compact hypersaline mat community from Hot Lake have been broadly elucidated through species-resolved metagenomics and geochemical, microbial diversity and metabolic gradient measurements. Draft reconstructed genomes of 34 abundant organisms revealed three dominant cyanobacterial populations differentially distributed across the top layers of the mat suggesting niche separation along light and oxygen gradients. Many organisms contained diverse functional profiles, allowing for metabolic response to changing conditions within the mat. Organisms with partial nitrogen and sulfur metabolisms were widespread indicating dependence on metabolite exchange. In addition, changes in community spatial structure were observed over the diel. These results indicate that organisms within the mat community have adapted to the temporally dynamic environmental gradients in this hypersaline mat through metabolic flexibility and fluid syntrophic interactions, including shifts in spatial arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Mobberley
- Biological Science Division, Earth and Environmental Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Stephen R Lindemann
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Hans C Bernstein
- Biological Science Division, Earth and Environmental Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA.,The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - James J Moran
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Ryan S Renslow
- Biological Science Division, Earth and Environmental Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA.,The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jerome Babauta
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Dehong Hu
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Earth and Environmental Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Haluk Beyenal
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - William C Nelson
- Biological Science Division, Earth and Environmental Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
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75
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Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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Hays LE, Graham HV, Des Marais DJ, Hausrath EM, Horgan B, McCollom TM, Parenteau MN, Potter-McIntyre SL, Williams AJ, Lynch KL. Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:363-400. [PMID: 28177270 PMCID: PMC5478115 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This review of material relevant to the Conference on Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments summarizes the meeting materials and discussions and is further expanded upon by detailed references to the published literature. From this diverse source material, there is a detailed discussion on the habitability and biosignature preservation potential of five primary analog environments: hydrothermal spring systems, subaqueous environments, subaerial environments, subsurface environments, and iron-rich systems. Within the context of exploring past habitable environments on Mars, challenges common to all of these key environments are laid out, followed by a focused discussion for each environment regarding challenges to orbital and ground-based observations and sample selection. This leads into a short section on how these challenges could influence our strategies and priorities for the astrobiological exploration of Mars. Finally, a listing of urgent needs and future research highlights key elements such as development of instrumentation as well as continued exploration into how Mars may have evolved differently from Earth and what that might mean for biosignature preservation and detection. Key Words: Biosignature preservation-Biosignature detection-Mars analog environments-Conference report-Astrobiological exploration. Astrobiology 17, 363-400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E. Hays
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
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77
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Smith SA, Benardini JN, Anderl D, Ford M, Wear E, Schrader M, Schubert W, DeVeaux L, Paszczynski A, Childers SE. Identification and Characterization of Early Mission Phase Microorganisms Residing on the Mars Science Laboratory and Assessment of Their Potential to Survive Mars-like Conditions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:253-265. [PMID: 28282220 PMCID: PMC5373329 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Planetary protection is governed by the Outer Space Treaty and includes the practice of protecting planetary bodies from contamination by Earth life. Although studies are constantly expanding our knowledge about life in extreme environments, it is still unclear what the probability is for terrestrial organisms to survive and grow on Mars. Having this knowledge is paramount to addressing whether microorganisms transported from Earth could negatively impact future space exploration. The objectives of this study were to identify cultivable microorganisms collected from the surface of the Mars Science Laboratory, to distinguish which of the cultivable microorganisms can utilize energy sources potentially available on Mars, and to determine the survival of the cultivable microorganisms upon exposure to physiological stresses present on the martian surface. Approximately 66% (237) of the 358 microorganisms identified are related to members of the Bacillus genus, although surprisingly, 22% of all isolates belong to non-spore-forming genera. A small number could grow by reduction of potential growth substrates found on Mars, such as perchlorate and sulfate, and many were resistant to desiccation and ultraviolet radiation (UVC). While most isolates either grew in media containing ≥10% NaCl or at 4°C, many grew when multiple physiological stresses were applied. The study yields details about the microorganisms that inhabit the surfaces of spacecraft after microbial reduction measures, information that will help gauge whether microorganisms from Earth pose a forward contamination risk that could impact future planetary protection policy. Key Words: Planetary protection-Spore-Bioburden-MSL-Curiosity-Contamination-Mars. Astrobiology 17, 253-265.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James N Benardini
- 2 Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - David Anderl
- 1 School of Food Science, University of Idaho , Moscow, Idaho
| | - Matt Ford
- 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University , Pocatello, Idaho
| | - Emmaleen Wear
- 1 School of Food Science, University of Idaho , Moscow, Idaho
| | | | - Wayne Schubert
- 2 Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Linda DeVeaux
- 4 Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology , Rapid City, South Dakota
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78
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Gu W, Li Y, Tang M, Jia X, Ding X, Bi X, Wang X. Water uptake and hygroscopicity of perchlorates and implications for the existence of liquid water in some hyperarid environments. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra08366a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dependence of deliquescence relative humidity of perchlorates on temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
| | - Yongjie Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- University of Macau
- Avenida da Universidade
- Taipa
| | - Mingjin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
| | - Xiaohong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
| | - Xiang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
| | - Xinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Guangzhou 510640
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79
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Martín-Torres J, Zorzano MP. Should We Invest in Martian Brine Research to Reduce Mars Exploration Costs? ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:3-7. [PMID: 28026989 PMCID: PMC5278815 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Torres
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Kiruna, Sweden
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), Granada, Spain
| | - María-Paz Zorzano
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Kiruna, Sweden
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
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80
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Kereszturi A, Bradak B, Chatzitheodoridis E, Ujvari G. Indicators and Methods to Understand Past Environments from ExoMars Rover Drills. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2016; 46:435-454. [PMID: 27029794 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Great advances are expected during the analysis of drilled material acquired from 2 m depth by ExoMars rover, supported by the comparison to local context, and the joint use of different instruments. Textural information might be less detailed relatively to what is usually obtained at outcrops during classical geological field work on the Earth, partly because of the lack of optical imaging of the borehole wall and also because the collected samples are crushed. However sub-mm scale layering and some other sedimentary features might be identified in the borehole wall observations, or in the collected sample prior to crushing, and also at nearby outcrops. The candidate landing sites provide different targets and focus for research: Oxia Planum requires analysis of phyllosilicates and OH content, at Mawrth Vallis the layering of various phyllosilicates and the role of shallow-subsurface leaching should be emphasized. At Aram Dorsum the particle size and fluvial sedimentary features will be interesting. Hydrated perchlorates and sulphates are ideal targets possibly at every landing sites because of OH retention, especially if they are mixed with smectites, thus could point to even ancient wet periods. Extensive use of information from the infrared wall scanning will be complemented for geological context by orbital and rover imaging of nearby outcrops. Information from the context is especially useful to infer the possible action of past H2O. Separation of the ice and liquid water effects will be supported by cation abundance and sedimentary context. Shape of grains also helps here, and composition of transported grains points to the weathering potential of the environment in general. The work on Mars during the drilling and sample analysis will provide brand new experience and knowledge for future missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kereszturi
- Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - B Bradak
- Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Planetology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - G Ujvari
- Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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81
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Coggins AJ, Powner MW. Prebiotic synthesis of phosphoenol pyruvate by α-phosphorylation-controlled triose glycolysis. Nat Chem 2016; 9:310-317. [PMID: 28338685 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoenol pyruvate is the highest-energy phosphate found in living organisms and is one of the most versatile molecules in metabolism. Consequently, it is an essential intermediate in a wide variety of biochemical pathways, including carbon fixation, the shikimate pathway, substrate-level phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis and glycolysis. Triose glycolysis (generation of ATP from glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate via phosphoenol pyruvate) is among the most central and highly conserved pathways in metabolism. Here, we demonstrate the efficient and robust synthesis of phosphoenol pyruvate from prebiotic nucleotide precursors, glycolaldehyde and glyceraldehyde. Furthermore, phosphoenol pyruvate is derived within an α-phosphorylation controlled reaction network that gives access to glyceric acid 2-phosphate, glyceric acid 3-phosphate, phosphoserine and pyruvate. Our results demonstrate that the key components of a core metabolic pathway central to energy transduction and amino acid, sugar, nucleotide and lipid biosyntheses can be reconstituted in high yield under mild, prebiotically plausible conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Coggins
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Matthew W Powner
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
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82
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McCaig HC, Stockton A, Crilly C, Chung S, Kanik I, Lin Y, Zhong F. Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Coronene in the Presence of Perchlorate for In Situ Chemical Analysis of Martian Regolith. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:703-714. [PMID: 27623199 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The analysis of the organic compounds present in the martian regolith is essential for understanding the history and habitability of Mars, as well as studying the signs of possible extant or extinct life. To date, pyrolysis, the only technique that has been used to extract organic compounds from the martian regolith, has not enabled the detection of unaltered native martian organics. The elevated temperatures required for pyrolysis extraction can cause native martian organics to react with perchlorate salts in the regolith and possibly result in the chlorohydrocarbons that have been detected by in situ instruments. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction is an alternative to pyrolysis that may be capable of delivering unaltered native organic species to an in situ detector. In this study, we report the SCCO2 extraction of unaltered coronene, a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), from martian regolith simulants, in the presence of 3 parts per thousand (ppth) sodium perchlorate. PAHs are a class of nonpolar molecules of astrobiological interest and are delivered to the martian surface by meteoritic infall. We also determined that the extraction efficiency of coronene was unaffected by the presence of perchlorate on the regolith simulant, and that no sodium perchlorate was extracted by SCCO2. This indicates that SCCO2 extraction can provide de-salted samples that could be directly delivered to a variety of in situ detectors. SCCO2 was also used to extract trace native fluorescent organic compounds from the martian regolith simulant JSC Mars-1, providing further evidence that SCCO2 extraction may provide an alternative to pyrolysis to enable the delivery of unaltered native organic compounds to an in situ detector on a future Mars rover. KEY WORDS Biomarkers-Carbon dioxide-In situ measurement-Mars-Search for Mars' organics. Astrobiology 16, 703-714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C McCaig
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | | | - Candice Crilly
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
- 3 Occidental College , Los Angeles, California
| | - Shirley Chung
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Isik Kanik
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Ying Lin
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Fang Zhong
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
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83
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Montgomery W, Bromiley GD, Sephton MA. The nature of organic records in impact excavated rocks on Mars. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30947. [PMID: 27492071 PMCID: PMC4974657 DOI: 10.1038/srep30947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Impact ejected rocks are targets for life detection missions to Mars. The Martian subsurface is more favourable to organic preservation than the surface owing to an attenuation of radiation and physical separation from oxidising materials with increasing depth. Impact events bring materials to the surface where they may be accessed without complicated drilling procedures. On Earth, different assemblages of organic matter types are derived from varying depositional environments. Here we assess whether these different types of organic materials can survive impact events without corruption. We subjected four terrestrial organic matter types to elevated pressures and temperatures in piston-cylinder experiments followed by chemical characterisation using whole-rock pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our data reveal that long chain hydrocarbon-dominated organic matter (types I and II; mainly microbial or algal) are unresistant to pressure whereas aromatic hydrocarbon-dominated organic matter types (types III and IV; mainly land plant, metamorphosed or degraded, displaying some superficial chemical similarities to abiotic meteoritic organic matter) are relatively resistant. This suggests that the impact excavated record of potential biology on Mars will be unavoidably biased, with microbial organic matter underrepresented while metamorphosed, degraded or abiotic meteoritic organic matter types will be selectively preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Montgomery
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - G D Bromiley
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, West Main Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK
| | - M A Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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84
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Hu R, Bloom AA, Gao P, Miller CE, Yung YL. Hypotheses for Near-Surface Exchange of Methane on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:539-550. [PMID: 27315136 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Curiosity rover recently detected a background of 0.7 ppb and spikes of 7 ppb of methane on Mars. This in situ measurement reorients our understanding of the martian environment and its potential for life, as the current theories do not entail any geological source or sink of methane that varies sub-annually. In particular, the 10-fold elevation during the southern winter indicates episodic sources of methane that are yet to be discovered. Here we suggest a near-surface reservoir could explain this variability. Using the temperature and humidity measurements from the rover, we find that perchlorate salts in the regolith deliquesce to form liquid solutions, and deliquescence progresses to deeper subsurface in the season of the methane spikes. We therefore formulate the following three testable hypotheses. The first scenario is that the regolith in Gale Crater adsorbs methane when dry and releases this methane to the atmosphere upon deliquescence. The adsorption energy needs to be 36 kJ mol(-1) to explain the magnitude of the methane spikes, higher than existing laboratory measurements. The second scenario is that microorganisms convert organic matter in the soil to methane when they are in liquid solutions. This scenario does not require regolith adsorption but entails extant life on Mars. The third scenario is that deep subsurface aquifers produce the bursts of methane. Continued in situ measurements of methane and water, as well as laboratory studies of adsorption and deliquescence, will test these hypotheses and inform the existence of the near-surface reservoir and its exchange with the atmosphere. KEY WORDS Mars-Methane-Astrobiology-Regolith. Astrobiology 16, 539-550.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyu Hu
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
- 2 Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - A Anthony Bloom
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Peter Gao
- 2 Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Charles E Miller
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Yuk L Yung
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
- 2 Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
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85
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Georgiou CD, Zisimopoulos D, Panagiotidis K, Grintzalis K, Papapostolou I, Quinn RC, McKay CP, Sun HJ. Martian Superoxide and Peroxide O2 Release (OR) Assay: A New Technology for Terrestrial and Planetary Applications. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:126-142. [PMID: 26881470 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study presents an assay for the detection and quantification of soil metal superoxides and peroxides in regolith and soil. The O2 release (OR) assay is based on the enzymatic conversion of the hydrolysis products of metal oxides to O2 and their quantification by an O2 electrode based on the stoichiometry of the involved reactions. The intermediate product O₂˙⁻ from the hydrolysis of metal superoxides is converted by cytochrome c to O2 and by superoxide dismutase (SOD) to ½ mol O2 and ½ mol H2O2, which is then converted by catalase (CAT) to ½ mol O2. The product H2O2 from the hydrolysis of metal peroxides and hydroperoxides is converted to ½ mol O2 by CAT. The assay method was validated in a sealed sample chamber by using a liquid-phase Clark-type O2 electrode with known concentrations of O₂˙⁻ and H2O2, and commercial metal superoxide and peroxide mixed with Mars analog Mojave and Atacama Desert soils. Carbonates and perchlorates, both present on Mars, do not interfere with the assay. The assay lower limit of detection, when using luminescence quenching/optical sensing O2-electrodes, is 1 nmol O2 cm(-3) or better. The activity of the assay enzymes SOD and cytochrome c was unaffected up to 6 Gy exposure by γ radiation, while CAT retained 100% and 40% of its activity at 3 and 6 Gy, respectively, which demonstrates the suitability of these enzymes for planetary missions, for example, on Mars or Europa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard C Quinn
- 2 SETI Institute, Carl Sagan Center , Mountain View, California, USA
| | | | - Henry J Sun
- 4 Desert Research Institute , Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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86
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton T. Snyder
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Christopher J. Pulliam
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Zheng Ouyang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, W.
Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - R. Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
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87
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Cockell CS, Bush T, Bryce C, Direito S, Fox-Powell M, Harrison JP, Lammer H, Landenmark H, Martin-Torres J, Nicholson N, Noack L, O'Malley-James J, Payler SJ, Rushby A, Samuels T, Schwendner P, Wadsworth J, Zorzano MP. Habitability: A Review. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:89-117. [PMID: 26741054 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Habitability is a widely used word in the geoscience, planetary science, and astrobiology literature, but what does it mean? In this review on habitability, we define it as the ability of an environment to support the activity of at least one known organism. We adopt a binary definition of "habitability" and a "habitable environment." An environment either can or cannot sustain a given organism. However, environments such as entire planets might be capable of supporting more or less species diversity or biomass compared with that of Earth. A clarity in understanding habitability can be obtained by defining instantaneous habitability as the conditions at any given time in a given environment required to sustain the activity of at least one known organism, and continuous planetary habitability as the capacity of a planetary body to sustain habitable conditions on some areas of its surface or within its interior over geological timescales. We also distinguish between surface liquid water worlds (such as Earth) that can sustain liquid water on their surfaces and interior liquid water worlds, such as icy moons and terrestrial-type rocky planets with liquid water only in their interiors. This distinction is important since, while the former can potentially sustain habitable conditions for oxygenic photosynthesis that leads to the rise of atmospheric oxygen and potentially complex multicellularity and intelligence over geological timescales, the latter are unlikely to. Habitable environments do not need to contain life. Although the decoupling of habitability and the presence of life may be rare on Earth, it may be important for understanding the habitability of other planetary bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Cockell
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - T Bush
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Bryce
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Direito
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Fox-Powell
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - J P Harrison
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Lammer
- 2 Austrian Academy of Sciences, Space Research Institute , Graz, Austria
| | - H Landenmark
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Martin-Torres
- 3 Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology , Kiruna, Sweden; and Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - N Nicholson
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Noack
- 4 Department of Reference Systems and Planetology, Royal Observatory of Belgium , Brussels, Belgium
| | - J O'Malley-James
- 5 School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews , St Andrews, UK; now at the Carl Sagan Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - S J Payler
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Rushby
- 6 Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Science (COAS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia , Norwich, UK
| | - T Samuels
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - P Schwendner
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Wadsworth
- 1 UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
| | - M P Zorzano
- 3 Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology , Kiruna, Sweden; and Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), Armilla, Granada, Spain
- 7 Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) , Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
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88
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Mandt K, Mousis O, Marty B, Cavalié T, Harris W, Hartogh P, Willacy K. Constraints from Comets on the Formation and Volatile Acquisition of the Planets and Satellites. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2015; 197:297-342. [PMID: 31105346 PMCID: PMC6525011 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-015-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Comets play a dual role in understanding the formation and evolution of the solar system. First, the composition of comets provides information about the origin of the giant planets and their moons because comets formed early and their composition is not expected to have evolved significantly since formation. They, therefore serve as a record of conditions during the early stages of solar system formation. Once comets had formed, their orbits were perturbed allowing them to travel into the inner solar system and impact the planets. In this way they contributed to the volatile inventory of planetary atmospheres. We review here how knowledge of comet composition up to the time of the Rosetta mission has contributed to understanding the formation processes of the giant planets, their moons and small icy bodies in the solar system. We also discuss how comets contributed to the volatile inventories of the giant and terrestrial planets.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.E. Mandt
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - O. Mousis
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LAM (Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille) UMR 7326, 13388, Marseille, France
| | - B. Marty
- CRPG-CNRS, Nancy-Université, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - T. Cavalié
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - W. Harris
- University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - P. Hartogh
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - K. Willacy
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, USA
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89
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Hu R, Kass DM, Ehlmann BL, Yung YL. Tracing the fate of carbon and the atmospheric evolution of Mars. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10003. [PMID: 26600077 PMCID: PMC4673500 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The climate of Mars likely evolved from a warmer, wetter early state to the cold, arid current state. However, no solutions for this evolution have previously been found to satisfy the observed geological features and isotopic measurements of the atmosphere. Here we show that a family of solutions exist, invoking no missing reservoirs or loss processes. Escape of carbon via CO photodissociation and sputtering enriches heavy carbon (13C) in the Martian atmosphere, partially compensated by moderate carbonate precipitation. The current atmospheric 13C/12C and rock and soil carbonate measurements indicate an early atmosphere with a surface pressure <1 bar. Only scenarios with large amounts of carbonate formation in open lakes permit higher values up to 1.8 bar. The evolutionary scenarios are fully testable with data from the MAVEN mission and further studies of the isotopic composition of carbonate in the Martian rock record through time. Mars likely evolved from a warmer, wetter early state to the cold, arid current climate, but this evolution is not reflected in recent observations and measurements. Here, the authors derive quantitative constraints on the atmospheric pressure through time, identifying a mechanism that explains the carbon data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyu Hu
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.,Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - David M Kass
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA
| | - Bethany L Ehlmann
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.,Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Yuk L Yung
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.,Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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90
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Ralphs M, Franz B, Baker T, Howe S. Water extraction on Mars for an expanding human colony. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2015; 7:57-60. [PMID: 26553638 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In-situ water extraction is necessary for an extended human presence on Mars. This study looks at the water requirements of an expanding human colony on Mars and the general systems needed to supply that water from the martian atmosphere and regolith. The proposed combination of systems in order to supply the necessary water includes a system similar to Honeybee Robotics' Mobile In-Situ Water Extractor (MISWE) that uses convection, a system similar to MISWE but that directs microwave energy down a borehole, a greenhouse or hothouse type system, and a system similar to the Mars Atmospheric Resource Recovery System (MARRS). It is demonstrated that a large water extraction system that can take advantage of large deposits of water ice at site specific locations is necessary to keep up with the demands of a growing colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ralphs
- Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321, USA.
| | - B Franz
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - T Baker
- Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA.
| | - S Howe
- Howe Industries LLC, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA.
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91
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Tulej M, Neubeck A, Ivarsson M, Riedo A, Neuland MB, Meyer S, Wurz P. Chemical Composition of Micrometer-Sized Filaments in an Aragonite Host by a Miniature Laser Ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometer. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:669-682. [PMID: 26247475 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Detection of extraterrestrial life is an ongoing goal in space exploration, and there is a need for advanced instruments and methods for the detection of signatures of life based on chemical and isotopic composition. Here, we present the first investigation of chemical composition of putative microfossils in natural samples using a miniature laser ablation/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LMS). The studies were conducted with high lateral (∼15 μm) and vertical (∼20-200 nm) resolution. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the instrument performance on micrometer-sized samples both in terms of isotope abundance and element composition. The following objectives had to be achieved: (1) Consider the detection and calculation of single stable isotope ratios in natural rock samples with techniques compatible with their employment of space instrumentation for biomarker detection in future planetary missions. (2) Achieve a highly accurate chemical compositional map of rock samples with embedded structures at the micrometer scale in which the rock matrix is easily distinguished from the micrometer structures. Our results indicate that chemical mapping of strongly heterogeneous rock samples can be obtained with a high accuracy, whereas the requirements for isotope ratios need to be improved to reach sufficiently large signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Tulej
- 1 Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Neubeck
- 2 Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ivarsson
- 3 Department of Palaeobiology and Nordic Centre for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), Swedish Museum of Natural History , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Riedo
- 1 Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maike B Neuland
- 1 Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Meyer
- 1 Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wurz
- 1 Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
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92
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Röling WF, Aerts JW, Patty CL, ten Kate IL, Ehrenfreund P, Direito SO. The Significance of Microbe-Mineral-Biomarker Interactions in the Detection of Life on Mars and Beyond. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:492-507. [PMID: 26060985 PMCID: PMC4490593 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The detection of biomarkers plays a central role in our effort to establish whether there is, or was, life beyond Earth. In this review, we address the importance of considering mineralogy in relation to the selection of locations and biomarker detection methodologies with characteristics most promising for exploration. We review relevant mineral-biomarker and mineral-microbe interactions. The local mineralogy on a particular planet reflects its past and current environmental conditions and allows a habitability assessment by comparison with life under extreme conditions on Earth. The type of mineral significantly influences the potential abundances and types of biomarkers and microorganisms containing these biomarkers. The strong adsorptive power of some minerals aids in the preservation of biomarkers and may have been important in the origin of life. On the other hand, this strong adsorption as well as oxidizing properties of minerals can interfere with efficient extraction and detection of biomarkers. Differences in mechanisms of adsorption and in properties of minerals and biomarkers suggest that it will be difficult to design a single extraction procedure for a wide range of biomarkers. While on Mars samples can be used for direct detection of biomarkers such as nucleic acids, amino acids, and lipids, on other planetary bodies remote spectrometric detection of biosignatures has to be relied upon. The interpretation of spectral signatures of photosynthesis can also be affected by local mineralogy. We identify current gaps in our knowledge and indicate how they may be filled to improve the chances of detecting biomarkers on Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred F.M. Röling
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost W. Aerts
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C.H. Lucas Patty
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Loes ten Kate
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Leiden Observatory, University of Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susana O.L. Direito
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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93
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Sklute EC, Jensen HB, Rogers AD, Reeder RJ. Morphological, structural, and spectral characteristics of amorphous iron sulfates. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2015; 120:809-830. [PMID: 29675340 PMCID: PMC5903680 DOI: 10.1002/2014je004784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Current or past brine hydrologic activity on Mars may provide suitable conditions for the formation of amorphous ferric sulfates. Once formed, these phases would likely be stable under current Martian conditions, particularly at low- to mid-latitudes. Therefore, we consider amorphous iron sulfates (AIS) as possible components of Martian surface materials. Laboratory AIS were created through multiple synthesis routes and characterized with total X-ray scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, visible/near-infrared (VNIR), thermal infrared (TIR), and Mössbauer techniques. We synthesized amorphous ferric sulfates (Fe(III)2(SO4)3 · ~ 6-8H2O) from sulfate-saturated fluids via vacuum dehydration or exposure to low relative humidity (<11%). Amorphous ferrous sulfate (Fe(II)SO4 · ~1H2O) was synthesized via vacuum dehydration of melanterite. All AIS lack structural order beyond 11 Å. The short-range (<5 Å) structural characteristics of amorphous ferric sulfates resemble all crystalline reference compounds; structural characteristics for the amorphous ferrous sulfate are similar to but distinct from both rozenite and szomolnokite. VNIR and TIR spectral data for all AIS display broad, muted features consistent with structural disorder and are spectrally distinct from all crystalline sulfates considered for comparison. Mössbauer spectra are also distinct from crystalline phase spectra available for comparison. AIS should be distinguishable from crystalline sulfates based on the position of their Fe-related absorptions in the visible range and their spectral characteristics in the TIR. In the NIR, bands associated with hydration at ~1.4 and 1.9 μm are significantly broadened, which greatly reduces their detectability in soil mixtures. AIS may contribute to the amorphous fraction of soils measured by the Curiosity rover.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. C. Sklute
- Department of Geosciences, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Now at Department of Astronomy, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - H. B. Jensen
- Department of Geosciences, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - A. D. Rogers
- Department of Geosciences, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - R. J. Reeder
- Department of Geosciences, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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94
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Evidence for indigenous nitrogen in sedimentary and aeolian deposits from the Curiosity rover investigations at Gale crater, Mars. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:4245-50. [PMID: 25831544 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1420932112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover has detected oxidized nitrogen-bearing compounds during pyrolysis of scooped aeolian sediments and drilled sedimentary deposits within Gale crater. Total N concentrations ranged from 20 to 250 nmol N per sample. After subtraction of known N sources in SAM, our results support the equivalent of 110-300 ppm of nitrate in the Rocknest (RN) aeolian samples, and 70-260 and 330-1,100 ppm nitrate in John Klein (JK) and Cumberland (CB) mudstone deposits, respectively. Discovery of indigenous martian nitrogen in Mars surface materials has important implications for habitability and, specifically, for the potential evolution of a nitrogen cycle at some point in martian history. The detection of nitrate in both wind-drifted fines (RN) and in mudstone (JK, CB) is likely a result of N2 fixation to nitrate generated by thermal shock from impact or volcanic plume lightning on ancient Mars. Fixed nitrogen could have facilitated the development of a primitive nitrogen cycle on the surface of ancient Mars, potentially providing a biochemically accessible source of nitrogen.
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95
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Lewis JMT, Watson JS, Najorka J, Luong D, Sephton MA. Sulfate minerals: a problem for the detection of organic compounds on Mars? ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:247-58. [PMID: 25695727 PMCID: PMC4363818 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The search for in situ organic matter on Mars involves encounters with minerals and requires an understanding of their influence on lander and rover experiments. Inorganic host materials can be helpful by aiding the preservation of organic compounds or unhelpful by causing the destruction of organic matter during thermal extraction steps. Perchlorates are recognized as confounding minerals for thermal degradation studies. On heating, perchlorates can decompose to produce oxygen, which then oxidizes organic matter. Other common minerals on Mars, such as sulfates, may also produce oxygen upon thermal decay, presenting an additional complication. Different sulfate species decompose within a large range of temperatures. We performed a series of experiments on a sample containing the ferric sulfate jarosite. The sulfate ions within jarosite break down from 500 °C. Carbon dioxide detected during heating of the sample was attributed to oxidation of organic matter. A laboratory standard of ferric sulfate hydrate released sulfur dioxide from 550 °C, and an oxygen peak was detected in the products. Calcium sulfate did not decompose below 1000 °C. Oxygen released from sulfate minerals may have already affected organic compound detection during in situ thermal experiments on Mars missions. A combination of preliminary mineralogical analyses and suitably selected pyrolysis temperatures may increase future success in the search for past or present life on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M T Lewis
- 1 Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom
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96
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Freissinet C, Glavin DP, Mahaffy PR, Miller KE, Eigenbrode JL, Summons RE, Brunner AE, Buch A, Szopa C, Archer PD, Franz HB, Atreya SK, Brinckerhoff WB, Cabane M, Coll P, Conrad PG, Des Marais DJ, Dworkin JP, Fairén AG, François P, Grotzinger JP, Kashyap S, ten Kate IL, Leshin LA, Malespin CA, Martin MG, Martin-Torres FJ, McAdam AC, Ming DW, Navarro-González R, Pavlov AA, Prats BD, Squyres SW, Steele A, Stern JC, Sumner DY, Sutter B, Zorzano MP. Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2015; 120:495-514. [PMID: 26690960 PMCID: PMC4672966 DOI: 10.1002/2014je004737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of the atmosphere and the surface regolith and rocks to help evaluate the past and present habitability potential of Mars at Gale Crater. Central to this task is the development of an inventory of any organic molecules present to elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, and long-term preservation. This will guide the future search for biosignatures. Here we report the definitive identification of chlorobenzene (150-300 parts per billion by weight (ppbw)) and C2 to C4 dichloroalkanes (up to 70 ppbw) with the SAM gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) and detection of chlorobenzene in the direct evolved gas analysis (EGA) mode, in multiple portions of the fines from the Cumberland drill hole in the Sheepbed mudstone at Yellowknife Bay. When combined with GCMS and EGA data from multiple scooped and drilled samples, blank runs, and supporting laboratory analog studies, the elevated levels of chlorobenzene and the dichloroalkanes cannot be solely explained by instrument background sources known to be present in SAM. We conclude that these chlorinated hydrocarbons are the reaction products of Martian chlorine and organic carbon derived from Martian sources (e.g., igneous, hydrothermal, atmospheric, or biological) or exogenous sources such as meteorites, comets, or interplanetary dust particles. KEY POINTS First in situ evidence of nonterrestrial organics in Martian surface sediments Chlorinated hydrocarbons identified in the Sheepbed mudstone by SAM Organics preserved in sample exposed to ionizing radiation and oxidative condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freissinet
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated UniversitiesOak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
- Correspondence to:
C. Freissinet and P. R. Mahaffy,, ,
| | - D P Glavin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - P R Mahaffy
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Correspondence to:
C. Freissinet and P. R. Mahaffy,, ,
| | - K E Miller
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J L Eigenbrode
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Summons
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A E Brunner
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of MarylandCollege Park, Maryland, USA
| | - A Buch
- Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Ecole Centrale ParisChâtenay-Malabry, France
| | - C Szopa
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRSParis, France
| | - P D Archer
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - H B Franz
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - S K Atreya
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - W B Brinckerhoff
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - M Cabane
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRSParis, France
| | - P Coll
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Paris VII–Denis Diderot University, and CNRSCréteil, France
| | - P G Conrad
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D J Des Marais
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California, USA
| | - J P Dworkin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - A G Fairén
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, USA
- Centro de Astrobiología, INTA-CSICMadrid, Spain
| | - P François
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - J P Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, California, USA
| | - S Kashyap
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - I L ten Kate
- Earth Sciences Department, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - L A Leshin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy, New York, USA
| | - C A Malespin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Goddard Earth Sciences and Technologies and Research, Universities Space Research AssociationColumbia, Maryland, USA
| | - M G Martin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Catholic University of AmericaWashington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - F J Martin-Torres
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR)Granada, Spain
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of TechnologyKiruna, Sweden
| | - A C McAdam
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - R Navarro-González
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad UniversitariaMéxico City, Mexico
| | - A A Pavlov
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - B D Prats
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - S W Squyres
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, USA
| | - A Steele
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of WashingtonWashington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - J C Stern
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D Y Sumner
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of CaliforniaDavis, California, USA
| | - B Sutter
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - M-P Zorzano
- Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA-CSIC)Madrid, Spain
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97
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Freissinet C, Glavin DP, Mahaffy PR, Miller KE, Eigenbrode JL, Summons RE, Brunner AE, Buch A, Szopa C, Archer PD, Franz HB, Atreya SK, Brinckerhoff WB, Cabane M, Coll P, Conrad PG, Des Marais DJ, Dworkin JP, Fairén AG, François P, Grotzinger JP, Kashyap S, Ten Kate IL, Leshin LA, Malespin CA, Martin MG, Martin-Torres FJ, McAdam AC, Ming DW, Navarro-González R, Pavlov AA, Prats BD, Squyres SW, Steele A, Stern JC, Sumner DY, Sutter B, Zorzano MP. Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2015; 120:495-514. [PMID: 26690960 DOI: 10.1002/2015je004884.received] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of the atmosphere and the surface regolith and rocks to help evaluate the past and present habitability potential of Mars at Gale Crater. Central to this task is the development of an inventory of any organic molecules present to elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, and long-term preservation. This will guide the future search for biosignatures. Here we report the definitive identification of chlorobenzene (150-300 parts per billion by weight (ppbw)) and C2 to C4 dichloroalkanes (up to 70 ppbw) with the SAM gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) and detection of chlorobenzene in the direct evolved gas analysis (EGA) mode, in multiple portions of the fines from the Cumberland drill hole in the Sheepbed mudstone at Yellowknife Bay. When combined with GCMS and EGA data from multiple scooped and drilled samples, blank runs, and supporting laboratory analog studies, the elevated levels of chlorobenzene and the dichloroalkanes cannot be solely explained by instrument background sources known to be present in SAM. We conclude that these chlorinated hydrocarbons are the reaction products of Martian chlorine and organic carbon derived from Martian sources (e.g., igneous, hydrothermal, atmospheric, or biological) or exogenous sources such as meteorites, comets, or interplanetary dust particles. KEY POINTS First in situ evidence of nonterrestrial organics in Martian surface sediments Chlorinated hydrocarbons identified in the Sheepbed mudstone by SAM Organics preserved in sample exposed to ionizing radiation and oxidative condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freissinet
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - D P Glavin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - P R Mahaffy
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - K E Miller
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J L Eigenbrode
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Summons
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A E Brunner
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - A Buch
- Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Ecole Centrale Paris Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - C Szopa
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRS Paris, France
| | - P D Archer
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas, USA
| | - H B Franz
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - S K Atreya
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - W B Brinckerhoff
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - M Cabane
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRS Paris, France
| | - P Coll
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Paris VII-Denis Diderot University, and CNRS Créteil, France
| | - P G Conrad
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D J Des Marais
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - J P Dworkin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - A G Fairén
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell University Ithaca, New York, USA ; Centro de Astrobiología, INTA-CSIC Madrid, Spain
| | - P François
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - J P Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California, USA
| | - S Kashyap
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - I L Ten Kate
- Earth Sciences Department, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - L A Leshin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York, USA
| | - C A Malespin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; Goddard Earth Sciences and Technologies and Research, Universities Space Research Association Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | - M G Martin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA ; Department of Chemistry, Catholic University of America Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - F J Martin-Torres
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR) Granada, Spain ; Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology Kiruna, Sweden
| | - A C McAdam
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas, USA
| | - R Navarro-González
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria México City, Mexico
| | - A A Pavlov
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - B D Prats
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - S W Squyres
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell University Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - A Steele
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - J C Stern
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D Y Sumner
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California Davis, California, USA
| | - B Sutter
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas, USA
| | - M-P Zorzano
- Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA-CSIC) Madrid, Spain
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98
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Li X, Danell RM, Brinckerhoff WB, Pinnick VT, van Amerom F, Arevalo RD, Getty SA, Mahaffy PR, Steininger H, Goesmann F. Detection of trace organics in Mars analog samples containing perchlorate by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:104-110. [PMID: 25622133 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from recent Mars missions indicates the presence of perchlorate salts up to 1 wt % level in the near-surface materials. Mixed perchlorates and other oxychlorine species may complicate the detection of organic molecules in bulk martian samples when using pyrolysis techniques. To address this analytical challenge, we report here results of laboratory measurements with laser desorption mass spectrometry, including analyses performed on both commercial and Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) breadboard instruments. We demonstrate that the detection of nonvolatile organics in selected spiked mineral-matrix materials by laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry is not inhibited by the presence of up to 1 wt % perchlorate salt. The organics in the sample are not significantly degraded or combusted in the LDI process, and the parent molecular ion is retained in the mass spectrum. The LDI technique provides distinct potential benefits for the detection of organics in situ on the martian surface and has the potential to aid in the search for signs of life on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- 1 Center for Space Science and Technology, University of Maryland , Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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99
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Mahaffy PR, Webster CR, Stern JC, Brunner AE, Atreya SK, Conrad PG, Domagal-Goldman S, Eigenbrode JL, Flesch GJ, Christensen LE, Franz HB, Freissinet C, Glavin DP, Grotzinger JP, Jones JH, Leshin LA, Malespin C, McAdam AC, Ming DW, Navarro-Gonzalez R, Niles PB, Owen T, Pavlov AA, Steele A, Trainer MG, Williford KH, Wray JJ. The imprint of atmospheric evolution in the D/H of Hesperian clay minerals on Mars. Science 2015; 347:412-4. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1260291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. R. Mahaffy
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - C. R. Webster
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - J. C. Stern
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - A. E. Brunner
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - S. K. Atreya
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143, USA
| | - P. G. Conrad
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - S. Domagal-Goldman
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - J. L. Eigenbrode
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - G. J. Flesch
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - L. E. Christensen
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - H. B. Franz
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - C. Freissinet
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - D. P. Glavin
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - J. P. Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - J. H. Jones
- NASA Johnson Space Flight Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - L. A. Leshin
- Office of the President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - C. Malespin
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
- Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR)/Universities Space Research Association (USRA) NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - A. C. McAdam
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - D. W. Ming
- NASA Johnson Space Flight Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - R. Navarro-Gonzalez
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - P. B. Niles
- NASA Johnson Space Flight Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - T. Owen
- Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - A. A. Pavlov
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - A. Steele
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA
| | - M. G. Trainer
- Planetary Environments Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - K. H. Williford
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - J. J. Wray
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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100
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Chloromethane release from carbonaceous meteorite affords new insight into Mars lander findings. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7010. [PMID: 25394222 PMCID: PMC4230006 DOI: 10.1038/srep07010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversy continues as to whether chloromethane (CH3Cl) detected during pyrolysis of Martian soils by the Viking and Curiosity Mars landers is indicative of organic matter indigenous to Mars. Here we demonstrate CH3Cl release (up to 8 μg/g) during low temperature (150–400°C) pyrolysis of the carbonaceous chondrite Murchison with chloride or perchlorate as chlorine source and confirm unequivocally by stable isotope analysis the extraterrestrial origin of the methyl group (δ2H +800 to +1100‰, δ13C −19.2 to +10‰,). In the terrestrial environment CH3Cl released during pyrolysis of organic matter derives from the methoxyl pool. The methoxyl pool in Murchison is consistent both in magnitude (0.044%) and isotope signature (δ2H +1054 ± 626‰, δ13C +43.2 ± 38.8‰,) with that of the CH3Cl released on pyrolysis. Thus CH3Cl emissions recorded by Mars lander experiments may be attributed to methoxyl groups in undegraded organic matter in meteoritic debris reaching the Martian surface being converted to CH3Cl with perchlorate or chloride in Martian soil. However we cannot discount emissions arising additionally from organic matter of indigenous origin. The stable isotope signatures of CH3Cl detected on Mars could potentially be utilized to determine its origin by distinguishing between terrestrial contamination, meteoritic infall and indigenous Martian sources.
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