Category: Uncategorized

SPACE SIMULATIONS. “Earlier experiments of Bernstein et al. were conducted with a larger temperature range (12–300 K), and in addition to the above-mentioned products, they discovered hexamethylenetetramine (C6H12N4), ethers, alcohols, compounds related to polyoxymethylene, ketones and amides in their samples. Their subsequent experiments showed the formation of aroma-bearing ketones and carbolylic acid functional groups.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

SPACE CHEMISTRY. “Hudson & Moore irradiated different mixtures of water and CO (carbon monoxide) with 0.8 MeV protons at temperatures near 16 K in order to simulate interstellar conditions. The results of isotopic substitution and IR spectroscopy showed the formation of several hydrocarbons such as HCOOH, HCO−, H2CO and CH3OH.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

GALACTIC COSMIC RAY CHEMISTRY. “Some authors have proposed that high-energy particles could produce the amino acid glycine on extraterrestrial ices. It is proposed that biologically useful products, using a similar mechanism, can be produced in subsurface environments by Galactic cosmic rays-induced secondaries. Charged particles directly interact with ice and produce a number of biologically useful secondary products.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

LIFE AS WE DON’T KNOW IT. “Underground water or other fluid sources, in combination with flux of secondary particles can provide a stable self-sustained environment for life to exist. Low energy availability can produce organisms with a very slow metabolism. There is a possibility of an ecosystem thriving on this energy source based on other biochemical bases, and might necessitate alternative approaches to detect life ‘as we don't know it’ in subsurface environments on Earth and elsewhere.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

WATER ALTERNATIVES. “Life, as we know it, requires water, which is a neutral fluid and fits perfectly with temperature variations on Earth. However, other fluids might offer similar functionality in terms of being stable; they may provide transportation of essential nutrients and remain liquid for temperature ranges for that particular planet.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

COSMIC RADIATION. “Life could evolve a variety of mechanisms to utilize such a large range of energy injected underground. It could produce molecular hydrogen and oxidants useful for life. Muons can both directly react with molecules present in the medium, and also indirectly through radiolysis products. A detailed description of all the chemical reactions including the intermediate steps can be found elsewhere.” https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0459 View in LinkedIn

FRAGMENT FROM NATURE continues from last weekend and concludes this weekend featuring an intriguing article by Dimitra Atri on the possibilities of galactic cosmic ray powered life in the subterranean universe. Mankind has, at least in our latest technological incarnation, invested close to zero in curiosity about life beyond Earth. This remarkable state of affairs is a singular fact that defines human self-absorption, and gives a sobering context to a species who trashes their nest, wantonly exterminates other species, and ignores existential threats. View in LinkedIn

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EARTH IMPACT. “Solar flares and coronal mass ejections, the most catastrophic eruptions in our solar system, have been known to affect terrestrial environments and infrastructure.” https://lnkd.in/e8caAHQ View in LinkedIn